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Hong, Lee, Kim, Jung, and Je: Thymic Carcinoma Presenting Two Independent Nodules: Case Report
Chest Radiology
Case Report

Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2010; 63(3): 221-224.

Published online: 30 September 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2010.63.3.221

Thymic Carcinoma Presenting Two Independent Nodules: Case Report

Nu Rhee Hong, M.D., Ki Yeol Lee, M.D., Je Hyeong Kim, M.D.2, Ki Hwan Jung, M.D.2, Bo Kyoung Je, M.D.

1Department of Radiology, Korea University Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea.

2Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Ki Yeol Lee, M.D., Department of Radiology, Korea University Hospital 516, Gojan-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do 425-020, Korea. Tel. 82-31-412-5227, Fax. 82-31-412-5224, kiylee@korea.ac.kr

Received 3 September 2009       Accepted 25 March 2010

Copyright © 2010 The Korean Society of Radiology

Abstract

Thymic carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of the thymus arising in the thymic epithelium and has a higher frequency of local invasion and metastasis than other subtypes of thymic epithelial tumors. Thymic carcinoma is usually demonstrated as a large, irregular mass located in the anterior mediastinum and commonly contain a necrotic or cystic component. We report atypical CT findings and multicentricity in a case of thymic carcinoma presenting two small nodules in the anterior mediastinum.

Keywords: Thymus Neoplasms, Multiple Primary, Computed Tomograrhy, X-Ray

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

Chest radiograph PA projection shows no definite abnormal findings.

jksr-63-221-g001
Fig. 2

Axial CT images show two well defined nodules (arrows) abutting pericardial fat in left anterior mediastinum at the level of main bronchus (Fig. 2A, B) and upper right ventricle (Fig. 2C, D).

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Fig. 3

A, B. Cut surface of the two nodules show well demarcated, whitish gray solid appearance.

C. Photomicrograph (H & E, ×100) shows epithelial cells with severe nuclear atypia, mitotic figures and parenchymal invasion of pleomorphic tumor cell nests.
jksr-63-221-g003

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