Thymic Epithelial Neoplasms: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Radiol Clin North Am. 2021 Mar;59(2):169-182. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2020.11.005. Epub 2021 Jan 9.

Abstract

Thymic epithelial neoplasms, as classified by the World Health Organization, include thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and thymic carcinoid. They are a rare group of tumors and are often diagnosed incidentally in the work-up of parathymic syndrome, such as myasthenia gravis, or when mass effect or local invasion causes other symptoms. In each of these scenarios, understanding the radiologic-pathologic relationship of these tumors allows clinical imagers to contribute meaningfully to management decisions and overall patient care. Integrating important imaging features, such as local invasion, and pathologic features, such as necrosis and immunohistochemistry, ensures a meaningful contribution by clinical imagers to the care team.

Keywords: Computed tomography; MR imaging; Radiologic-pathologic correlation; Thymic epithelial neoplasms; Thymoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / pathology*
  • Thymus Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thymus Gland / pathology
  • Thymus Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / pathology*

Supplementary concepts

  • Thymic epithelial tumor