What Does "poorly Defined Soft Tissue Noted Within The Anterior Mediastinum" Mean?

Posted on Thu, 17 Jul 2014

Question: I recently had a hi res ct scan done of my chest. All came back normal, the only thing that was noted was "there is a poorly defined soft tissue noted within the anterior mediastinum, consistent with residual thymic tissue." I am 26 years old, and all the doctors have said this is normal as this slowly reduces throughout the years from birth and can still have residual tissue at my age. Thoughts?

Correction: anxiety, OCD due to physical symptoms in the past.

forgot to include and an echocardiogram.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
all have said true only

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

What all doctors have told you its correct.

Thymus is a lymphoid organ which helps in body's immunity. It is present at birth but by adolescent its atrophies. This process may get delayed is some people but that is nothing to be worried about. It will go eventually. Its nothing to do with your anxiety or OCD.

Hope i have been helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D