A basaloid carcinoma with multilocular thymic cyst mimicking a mediastinal teratoma: A case report

Abstract

Background: Thymic tumors pose diagnostic challenges, with basaloid carcinoma being a rare and elusive variant that can mimic other mediastinal masses. Case presentation: We present a case of a 71-year-old female initially diagnosed with a mediastinal teratoma. Imaging displayed a cystic, calcified tumor with close proximity to vital structures, suggestive of a mediastinal teratoma. The patient underwent subxiphoid thoracoscopic mediastinal tumor resection, and postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry revealed thymic basaloid carcinoma. Fortunately, the patient had no postoperative complications, and no signs of tumor recurrence or metastasis were found during the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: While thymic basaloid carcinoma is infrequent, its resemblance to mediastinal teratoma complicates diagnosis and treatment planning. As we accumulate cases, a collective analysis will enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic approaches for these intricate malignancies.