Final answer:
Chronic cough due to a lung mass is more commonly associated with masses in the central airways, as these areas are lined with cough receptors. The pleura consists of visceral and parietal layers, with the latter connecting to various chest structures. Conditions like pneumonia affect the alveoli and can cause chronic cough but do not involve lung mass location directly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic cough due to a lung mass is more commonly associated with masses located in the central airways. This is because the central airways, which include the bronchi and trachea, are involved in the conducting of air and are lined with cough receptors. When a mass impinges upon or irritates these structures, it can trigger a chronic cough reflex. In contrast, masses in the peripheral lung parenchyma, pleura, or mediastinum may not directly stimulate the cough receptors to the same extent, which makes a chronic cough less likely with these locations.
The pleura that surrounds the lungs consists of two layers, the visceral and parietal pleurae. The parietal pleura is the outermost layer that connects to the thoracic wall, mediastinum, and diaphragm, and its inflammation can lead to a condition known as pleurisy, which can be painful but does not necessarily cause a chronic cough unless the central airways are involved. Pneumonia is another respiratory condition that can cause a chronic cough, however, it primarily affects the alveoli, which are filled with fluid that inhibits gas exchange.