Chest CT Appearances

Thymic Carcinoma CT Findings

• Large prevascular mass
• Irregular shape
• Poorly marginated borders
• Areas of cystic change
• May have necrosis and/or hemorrhage
• “Drop metastases” indicate thymic carcinoma over lung cancer

Other Information About Thymic Carcinoma

Etiology:

• Unknown

Epidemiology:

• Typically presents after age 40

Presentation:

• Patients in the early stages may be asymptomatic
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Dyspnea
• Dysphagia

Prognosis:

• The 5-year relative survival rate for all thymus cancer is:
  • Localized: 94%
  • Regional: 79%
  • Distant: 42%
  • All SEER stages combined: 75%

Related Pearls: Thymus

Related Lectures:
CT of Anterior Mediastinal Masses: Core Concepts - Part 3