[The computer tomographic differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lipoid masses in the mediastinum and their spread (author's transl)].

Details of the tissues in the mediastinum can nowadays be demonstrated by computer tomography (CT) pictorially and quantitative measurements of their density coefficient carried out. The diagnosis of a fat-containing tumour or of benign lipomatosis of the mediastinum and their differentiation from malignant lesions is important for treatment and prognosis. In the past this could only be done by surgery. CT permits this differentiation pre-operatively and by a non-invasive method. The extent of malignant tumours and their relationship to other mediastinal structures and their spread beyond the mediastinum can be determined.