There is a large circular shadow in the region of the right hilum. The right pulmonary artery is visible through the center of the circle.
The circular shadow is a cavitated mass. The definition of a mass is satisfied even though the center is lucent.
The five principal causes of masses apply, but we can eliminate those that never
cavitate. As cavitation requires central necrosis and communication with a bronchus,
the most likely choices are malignancy and inflammation, including granulomatous.
Bronchogenic carcinoma, squamous
CORRELATION:
This tumor has nearly completely cavitated, by necrosis of its core and extrusion
of its contents into the bronchus. The bronchi and vessels are visible through
the mass, both on the radiograph and specimen.
