American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which of the following tumors is primarily seen in the anterior mediastinum?

1. Pericardial cyst

2. T cell lymphoma

3. Bronchiogenic cyst

4. Neurogenic tumors

The correct answer is: T cell lymphoma

The tumor that is primarily associated with the anterior mediastinum is T cell lymphoma. This type of lymphoma, particularly peripheral T cell lymphoma and thymic lymphoma, tends to localize to the anterior mediastinum due to its proximity to the thymus, which is a primary site for T cell development. The anterior mediastinum is the most common location for mediastinal tumors, and lymphomas occurring in this area are often presenting as a mass in imaging studies. Pericardial cysts and bronchiogenic cysts are typically located in the middle and posterior mediastinum or in the thoracic cavity, rather than the anterior mediastinum. Neurogenic tumors, like schwannomas and neurofibromas, are generally found in the posterior mediastinum, arising from the nerve sheath tissues. Understanding the specific types of tumors that arise in different mediastinal compartments is crucial in surgical contexts, particularly for planning interventions and differentiating masses based on their anatomical location.