Atypical Presentation of a Primary Thymic Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Primary thymic adenocarcinomas are extremely rare and aggressive tumours. In this report, clinical and histopathological findings of this rare entity as well as its treatment approaches are presented. A 55-year man was operated for anterior mediastinal mass. Histopathological examination revealed primary thymic adenocarcinoma. No other tumour focus was found in clinical, radiological, and endoscopic examinations. Due to the capsular invasion, adjuvant mediastinal radiotherapy was applied. In the process of monitoring, brain metastases developed. Stereotactic radiosurgery and chemotherapy were applied. All the lesions are under control at 28 months postoperatively. Complete surgical resection of the tumour is the most important factor. Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy as well as local therapies for metastases (surgical therapy or stereotactic radiosurgery) are seen as approaches to improve survival. Key Words: Adenocarcinoma, Metastasis, Stereotactic radiosurgery, Thymus.