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Semin Neurol 2004; 24(1): 63-73
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-829588
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Thymoma: Current Medical and Surgical Management

Kenneth A. Kesler1 , Cameron D. Wright3 , Patrick J. Loehrer2  Sr 
  • 1Professor of Surgery, Thoracic Division, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • 2Kenneth Wiseman Professor of Medicine, Director, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • 3Associate Professor of Surgery, Thoracic Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Publication History

Publication Date:
01 July 2004 (online)

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Thymoma is a rare neoplasm usually with an indolent growth pattern; however, local invasion and/or dissemination may occur. Surgery has been the standard of care for early stage disease with good to excellent cure rates anticipated. This neoplasm has been found to be relatively sensitive to cisplatinum-based chemotherapy as compared with most other epithelial tumors. Aggressive multimodality therapy therefore can result in long-term disease-free survival for patients presenting with locally advanced or even disseminated disease. This chapter outlines the current medical and surgical treatment options for thymoma.

KEYWORDS

Thymoma - myasthenia gravis - surgery - chemotherapy

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Kenneth A KeslerM.D. 

Professor of Surgery, Thoracic Division, Indiana University School of Medicine

545 Barnhill Drive, EH #212

Indianapolis, IN 46202

Patrick J Loehrer SrM.D. 

Kenneth Wiseman Professor of Medicine, Director, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine

535 Barnhill Drive, RT #473, Indianapolis, IN 46202