Radiology of chest wall masses

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2011 Sep;197(3):W460-70. doi: 10.2214/AJR.10.7259.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to highlight the role of radiography, CT, PET/CT, and MRI in the diagnosis and management of chest wall lesions. Chest wall masses are caused by a spectrum of clinical entities. The lesions highlighted in this selection of case scenarios include neoplastic, inflammatory, and vascular lesions.

Conclusion: Imaging evaluation with radiography, CT, MRI, and PET/CT plays an important role in the accurate diagnosis of chest wall lesions. It can also facilitate percutaneous biopsy, when it is indicated. Imaging enables accurate staging and is a key component of treatment planning for chest wall masses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Thoracic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Thoracic Wall / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed