Radical Resection Of A Thymic Tumor: A Case Report

Background: Thymic carcinoma can demonstrate rapid local growth and invade surrounding mediastinal structures. Surgery remains the mainstay of therapy, provided the tumor can be completely resected. Case Presentation: A 71-year-old female with worsening myasthenia gravis was found to have a large thymic tumor. Chest CT scan indicated possible vascular and pleural invasion. We performed surgery combining vascular reconstruction of the innominate vein, pericardial patch replacement, and bilateral upper lobe wedge resections to achieve complete local excision of this tumor. Conclusion: Resection of thymic carcinoma can require a wide breadth of surgical technique, including vascular reconstruction, and meticulous mediastinal and pleural dissection.