J Korean Soc Radiol.  2010 Sep;63(3):221-224. 10.3348/jksr.2010.63.3.221.

Thymic Carcinoma Presenting Two Independent Nodules: Case Report

• Hong NR
• Lee KY
• Kim JH
• Jung KH
• Je BK

• KMID: 2097896
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2010.63.3.221

Abstract

Thymic carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of the thymus arising in the thymic epithelium and has a higher frequency of local invasion and metastasis than other subtypes of thymic epithelial tumors. Thymic carcinoma is usually demonstrated as a large, irregular mass located in the anterior mediastinum and commonly contain a necrotic or cystic component. We report atypical CT findings and multicentricity in a case of thymic carcinoma presenting two small nodules in the anterior mediastinum.

MeSH Terms

Epithelium
Mediastinum
Neoplasm Metastasis
Thymoma
Thymus Gland
Thymus Neoplasms

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Chest radiograph PA projection shows no definite abnormal findings.

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  Fig. 2 Axial CT images show two well defined nodules (arrows) abutting pericardial fat in left anterior mediastinum at the level of main bronchus (Fig. 2A, B) and upper right ventricle (Fig. 2C, D).

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  Fig. 3 A, B. Cut surface of the two nodules show well demarcated, whitish gray solid appearance. C. Photomicrograph (H & E, ×100) shows epithelial cells with severe nuclear atypia, mitotic figures and parenchymal invasion of pleomorphic tumor cell nests.

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