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

What type of tumor is most commonly associated with the middle mediastinum?

1. Enteric cysts

2. Neurogenic tumors

3. Bronchiogenic cysts

4. Thymoma

The correct answer is: Bronchiogenic cysts

The most common type of tumor associated with the middle mediastinum is bronchiogenic cysts. These cysts are congenital lesions that arise from anomalies in the development of the tracheobronchial tree and are usually filled with fluid. They typically present in the middle mediastinum and can be discovered incidentally on imaging studies. In addition to their prevalence, bronchiogenic cysts are also notable for their location, as they are often differentiated from tumors that may arise from other mediastinal structures. Neurogenic tumors, which arise from nerve tissue, are more commonly associated with the posterior mediastinum. Enteric cysts are usually linked with the anterior mediastinum or can be found in other locations, while thymomas are primarily associated with the anterior mediastinum. This distinction in location supports the classification of bronchiogenic cysts as the most common tumors found specifically in the middle mediastinum.