Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma: a case report with immunohistochemical study and review of the literature

Abstract

Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma (EHT) is a rare benign tumor. We present a case of EHT, which was seen as subcutaneous mass on the left supraclavicular area in a 19-year-old man. The tumor consisted of spindle cells, epithelial cells, adipose cells, and a small amount of lymphocytes, as described previously. Immunohistochemically, spindle cells were positive for keratin, a-smooth muscle actin, CD34 and vimentin, but negative for desmin and S-100 protein. Lymphocytes were positive for CD45RO but negative for CD20, CD1a, and CD99. Approximately, 5% of cells were positive for MIB-1 and no cells stained for p53 and bcl-2. Recognition of EHT is important and needs to be differentiated from high-grade sarcomas such as synovial sarcoma or glandular malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.