Lung abscess

Pathology:
An inflammatory mass, the central portion of which has undergone purulent liquefaction necrosis. It may communicate with the bronchial tree.

Plain Radiograph & CT:
A mass presumed to be caused by infection. The presence of gas within the mass with or without a fluid level, represents a cavity and implies communication with the bronchial tree. Otherwise a pulmonary mass can be considered to represent an abscess only be inference.