[Roentgen signs of rare mediastinal masses (author's transl)]

Mediastinal masses are commonly classified into lesions of the anterior, middle, and posterior compartment as a first step in differential diagnosis. Teratoma, neurogenic tumors, goiters, and thymoma with their characteristic localization constitute together already two thirds of all mediastinal neoplasms. However, the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses should include also rare diseases: lymphangio-hemangioma, aneurysm of the pulmonal artery, intrathoracic meningocele, esophageal cyst, and pleurobronchial cyst are demonstrated. It is emphasized, that differential diagnosis has to consider history and physical data of the patient as well.