Myasthenia gravis and primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thymus: a case report

We detail a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thymus in a patient with myasthenia gravis. The clinical course of the patient and the gross and histologic appearance of the thymus are discussed. Appropriate therapy for patients with these tumors includes resection of the tumor followed by radiation therapy and continued surveillance for recurrence. Review of the literature indicates less than 50% survival at 10 years and 22% recurrence rate at 5 years for patients with this tumor.