Is Chest Pain Related to Prior Fracture?

ANSWER
The radiograph demonstrates evidence of previous surgery on the sternum. There also is evidence of scarring or discoid atelectasis along the left mid lung.

Of note, though, is a soft tissue mass (about 5 to 6 cm) within the left pulmonary apex. This lesion could represent a rounded infiltrate, an atypical infection such as a mycetoma, or possibly a pulmonary neoplasm.

Since the patient was stable, he was placed on antibiotics with instructions to follow up with his primary care provider for further work-up on the mass. The patient did follow up; the lesion persisted and subsequent biopsy confirmed carcinoma.