What is a hilar mass?

Hilum: The hilum is the area in each lung where the great vessels and the airway meet. Typically a hilar mass refers to enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes follow blood vessels. So where there are blood vessels there are lymph nodes. A hilar mass can either represent infection, inflammatory area or a malignancy. Hope this helps.

Agree with Dr. S: A hilar mass is usually detected on imaging study and warrants further investigation to determine the cause. Wish you good health!