A 44 year old male has a chest x-ray done for insurance purposes. His health has always been fine and he does not take any medications, he does not have any allergies, nor does he smoke. He last saw a doctor several years ago, but has never had a chest x-ray before. The radiologist has marked an arrow at what appears to be a “tear shaped” body of the upper lobe parenchyma. The work up for a malignancy has proven negative, all the labs are normal and the physical exam is unremarkable.
Based on your anatomical knowledge and history, this most likely represents:
a. Pancoast tumor
b. Apical pneumothorax
c. Consolidated pneumonia
d. Tuberculosis
e. Azygos lobe