Thymoma

The thymus is located in the anterosuperior mediastinum. Benign or malignant lesions can appear, leading to symptoms as sevear thoracic pain, dyspnea. Superior vena cava syndrome is a less frequent symptom. Surgical treatment is recommended.


This case presents a 57 year old pacient admited with violent retrosternal stabbing pain. Symptoms were present for about 6 months and did not respond to analgesic medication.

CT result shows a solid-necrotic tumoral growth corresponding to the sterno-clavicular articulation line, in the anterior mediastinum. It`s size is 13/11/8 cm, extending downwards to the pulmonary artery ramification. The tumor is wraped around the anterior wall of the ascending aorta, the pulmonary artery and the superior vena cava, having a compressive effect. Swollen lymph node of 1,5cm is also present in the right axila.
Mediastinum puncture exam is negative.
Bronchoscopy result is normal.


Surgical treatment is decided and consists of median sternotomy with total excision of the tumor. The encapsulated, well defined growth, measuring aprox. 15/10 cm does not invade the blood cells. After the complete excision, a small fragment is sent for anatomopathological exam.

After the surgical treatment all symptoms stopped and the pacient was discharged in a better general state.