Cavitated lung mass

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Cavitated lung mass

  • Lung cancers may initially form a solid mass and then cavitate internally due to cell necrosis
  • Squamous cell lung cancer is the cell type most likely to cavitate - as was confirmed in this patient following biopsy
  • Lung cavities can be caused by diseases other than cancer - such as infection or vasculitis
  • Read more about lung cavities here
  • This patient had a previous history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery - note the sternal wires and clips

Cavitated lung mass - CT

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Cavitated lung mass - Coronal plane CT

  • (Same patient as image above)
  • CT clearly shows formation of cavities within the mass

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: October 2019