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eISSN 2951-0805
    J Korean Soc Radiol. 2010 Sep;63(3):221-224. Korean.
    Published online Sep 30, 2010.
    https://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2010.63.3.221
    Copyright © 2010 The Korean Society of Radiology
    Case Report

    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 and 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, Email: kiylee@korea.ac.kr
    Received September 03, 2009; Accepted March 25, 2010.

    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

    Fig. 1
    Chest radiograph PA projection shows no definite abnormal findings.

    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).

    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.

    References

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    MeSH Terms
    Epithelium
    Mediastinum
    Neoplasm Metastasis
    Thymoma
    Thymus Gland
    Thymus Neoplasms
    Metrics
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