Mediastinal Thymoma
Pathophysiology: Usually a benign thymic tumor. Often mixed tissue elements, fibrous tissue, fat and rarely, elements of carcinoid tumor associated. May be malignant with local recurrence after removal or with distant metastases. Often seen in young to middle aged patients.
CXR/CT Findings: presents as a mediastinal mass.
Clues to diagnosis:
- may have peripheral rim calcification
- may have fatty component (CT)
Usually full gamut of superior mediastinal masses need to be considered. Tissue diagnosis by mediastinoscopy or CT needle guided biopsy.
Clinical Associations: can be accompanied by a variety of entities including anemia, dysprotenemia, ectopic production of steroids, carcinoid.
Treatment: Staging to rule out metastases followed by excision.
"Aunt Sophies": Differential diagnosis of superior mediastinal masses
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