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Ectopic thymoma presenting as a giant intrathoracic mass: a case report
Tomoyoshi Takenaka1, Teruyoshi Ishida, Yoshinori Handa
1Department of Surgery, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital and Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, 1-9-6 Senda-Machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan. ttake@surg2.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
|July 18, 2012
Summary
This case report details a rare giant thymoma, a tumor originating in the thymus, found within the thoracic cavity. The large tumor was successfully surgically removed, offering insights into managing these uncommon thoracic neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Thymoma, an epithelial neoplasm of the thymus, typically originates in the anterior mediastinum.
- Intrathoracic thymoma, outside the anterior mediastinum, is considered rare.
- Giant thymomas present unique diagnostic and surgical challenges due to their size and location.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male presented with chronic cough and breathlessness.
- Imaging revealed a large, well-enhanced mass (18 cm diameter) in the right thoracic cavity.
- FDG-PET showed moderate tumor metabolic activity (SUVmax 5.0).
Findings:
- Trans-bronchial needle biopsy identified atypical cells.
- Surgical resection revealed a well-defined, expansively growing giant mass (18 × 14.5 × 11 cm, 1350g).
- Histological diagnosis was type AB thymoma (WHO classification), Masaoka stage IIB.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of giant thymomas occurring ectopically within the thoracic cavity.
- Complete surgical resection is feasible for large, non-invasive thymomas.
- Management of rare, large thoracic neoplasms requires a multidisciplinary approach.
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