An unusual localization of thymoma

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder often associated with thymic abnormalities.
• Thymectomy is a standard treatment for certain types of myasthenia gravis.
• Standard imaging may not always detect ectopic thymic tissue.

Observation:

• A 41-year-old male patient with myasthenia gravis presented for thymectomy.
• Computed tomography revealed an unexpected mass lesion in the neck.
• The patient underwent a partial sternotomy with a cervical incision for thymectomy.

Findings:

• A cervical thymoma, separate from the main thymus, was identified and surgically removed.
• This represents a rare case of thymoma presenting in the neck.
• The cervical thymoma was discontinuous with the orthotopic thymus.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of thorough neck evaluation in myasthenia gravis patients.
• Ectopic cervical thymoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
• Comprehensive diagnostic imaging may be necessary to identify all thymic tissue, even in unusual locations.