Thymomas: Review of Current Clinical Practice

Thymomas are the most common tumors of the mediastinum. The introduction of multimodality treatment strategies, as well as novel approaches to the diagnosis of these tumors, has led to changes in the clinical management of thymomas. Here we review the literature for current clinical practice in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of thymomas. Thymomas are rare neoplasms arising from tissue elements of the thymus and developing in the anterior mediastinum [1]. They can be associated with a variety of systemic and autoimmune disorders, such as pure red cell aplasia, pancytopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, collagen-vascular disease, and most commonly with myasthenia gravis [2–5]. Thymomas are uncommon tumors with an annual incidence of only 0.15 cases per 100,000 person-years [6], yet representing the most frequently diagnosed tumor of the anterior mediastinum [7]. Classification of Thymomas Several classification systems of thymomas have been developed and described. However, clinical, pathologic, and surgical classification of thymomas remains controversial. The histomorphologic variability and heterogeneity of cells within thymomas is a major facto