A case of thymoma with sternum invasion diagnosed based on surgical findings

A 58-year-old man presented with a mediastinal tumor. Thoracic computed tomography showed a 50-mm mass abutting the anterior chest wall and the pericardium, as well as a narrowed left innominate vein. A diagnosis of invasive thymoma or thymic carcinoma was made, and an operation was performed. A med...

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Published inNihon Rinsho Geka Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of Japan Surgical Association) Vol. 73; no. 2; pp. 323 - 327
Main Authors KAWAI, Yasuyuki, SAITO, Yuichi, TAKAHASHI, Nobumasa, IKEYA, Tomohiko, MURAI, Katsumi, HOSHI, Eishin
Format Journal Article
LanguageJapanese
Published Japan Surgical Association 2012
Subjects
chest wall invasion
combined resection of sternum
invasive thymoma
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Summary:A 58-year-old man presented with a mediastinal tumor. Thoracic computed tomography showed a 50-mm mass abutting the anterior chest wall and the pericardium, as well as a narrowed left innominate vein. A diagnosis of invasive thymoma or thymic carcinoma was made, and an operation was performed. A median sternotomy was done ; the mass was incised along with the sternum that it had invaded. Therefore, we reseced the chest wall and the adjacent organs into which invasion was suspected. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there has been no recurrence during follow-up. Thymoma invading the chest wall is rare and difficult to diagnose. If there is any suspicion of chest wall invasion based on clinical symptoms and imaging, it is important during surgery to determine whether chest wall invasion has occurred.
ISSN:1345-2843
1882-5133
DOI:10.3919/jjsa.73.323