Thymomas

Neoplasms of the thymus gland (thymomas) represent up to 20% of primary mediastinal tumors and are the most common tumors in the anterior mediastinum. In this report we present our experience with thymoma in 28 patients. Surgical resection was the primary method of treatment and excellent results were obtained in the majority of our patients. There was one surgical death within this series. Although surgical resection has been identified as the treatment of choice, prognosis is dependent on tumor staging. Radiotherapy is recognized as beneficial in the treatment of stages II to IV. The role of chemotherapy, however, has not been determined conclusively in the treatment of thymoma.