[Thymomas non associated with myasthenia gravis. Nosologic aspects and therapeutic correlations]

A series of nine tumors of the thymus gland without myasthenia is presented. Five neoplasms were benign, while four malignant in their biological behaviour and histology. The classification of these neoplasms was possible according to the embryology of the anterosuperior mediastinum and thymus as well as to the macroscopic and histologic appearance of the masses. Based on pathologic considerations thymomas are divided into lymphoepithelial thymomas, carcinomas, primary Hodgkin's disease of the thymus and lymphosarcomas. The variable biological behaviour of these tumors is discussed and the possibilities of surgical treatment are expounded.