[Thymoma]

Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2005 Sep;117(18):620-7. doi: 10.1007/s00508-005-0407-y.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Thymoma is a rare epithelial tumor of the thymus, but the most common malignancy in the anterior mediastinum. A unique feature is its association with paraneoplastic syndromes, in particular myasthenia gravis. According to the WHO classification 6 histologic types of thymic epithelial tumors can be discriminated. Tumor stage according to MASAOKA is the most important prognostic factor. Non-invasive tumors (stage I) are usually completely resected and no further therapy is warranted. For incompletely resected tumors and locally advanced invasive thymomas (stage Ill-IV) postoperative radiotherapy with 50-60 Gy is advisable. Chemotherapy, preferably with Cisplatinum, is indicated with inoperable thymomas or metastatic disease. In general thymomas have a fair prognosis even in advanced stage. Long term follow-up is mandatory up to 10 years.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy / methods*
  • Thymoma / classification
  • Thymoma / diagnosis*
  • Thymoma / therapy*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / classification
  • Thymus Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / secondary
  • Thymus Neoplasms / therapy*