Mass behind heart

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Mass behind heart

  • At first glance this chest X-ray may appear normal
  • On closer inspection a large, round mass is seen in the left lower zone, obscured by the heart
  • This is a lung cancer located in the left lung behind the heart
  • The dotted line indicates the level of the CT image - see below
  • This image demonstrates the importance of a systematic approach to viewing chest X-rays - read the 'Chest X-ray Systematic Approach' tutorial

Mass behind heart - CT

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Mass behind heart - CT

  • The CT shows the position of the mass behind the heart

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

Last reviewed: October 2019