Male 65 years

Patient presented with progressively worsening thoracic-level back pain. Chest radiographs and computed tomography of the thorax showed a destructive 8cm mass that was centred in the posterior mediastinum. It also involved the lower lobe of the left lung and had eroded into adjacent vertebral bodies. An open biobsy of the lesion was obtained.

Male 32 years

Patient developed worsening shortness of breath, with intermittent fever, night sweats, and general malaise. Chest radiographs and computed tomography of the thorax showed the presence of a large anterior mediastinal mass. A transcervical biopsy of the lesion was obtained.

Female 35 years

Patient had a 2-week history of cough, night sweats, and progressive shortness of breath. Chest radiographs showed a left pleural effusion, and computed tomograms of the thorax demonstrated a 5cm posterior mediastinal mass. Left pleurocentesis yielded blood-tinged pleural fluid which contained no atypical cells on cytological examination. A thoracotomy was performed and the mediastinal mass was excised.

Male 54 years

Patient complained of vague thoracic-level back pain for 6 months, and been treated during that time by a chiropractor. He eventually sought medical evaluation, and computed tomography of the thorax showed the presence of a 5cm posterior mediastinal mass. It was removed surgically.