Does CT of Thymic Epithelial Tumors Enable Us to Differentiate Histologic Subtypes and Predict Prognosis?

Abstract

Although CT is of limited value in differentiating histologic subtypes according to the WHO classification, CT findings may serve as predictors of postoperative recurrence or metastasis for the thymic epithelial tumors.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of mediastinal tumors

“…In a review of 200 patients with thymic epithelial tumors, 5-year survival rates of each subtype of WHO classification were 100% in type A thymoma, 100% in type AB, 94.1% in type B1, 75.0% in type B2, and 70.0% in type B3, and 48.0% in thymic carcinoma (33). On the basis of significant correlation of the WHO histological classification and prognosis, the thymic epithelial tumors can be divided into three main groups; low-risk thymomas (types A, AB, B1), high-risk thymomas (types B2 and B3), and thymic carcinomas (35).…”

“…Jeong et al (35) correlated CT findings of thymic epithelial tumors with WHO histopathologic subtypes. Lobulated contour was more often seen in high-risk thymomas (types B2 and B3) and thymic carcinomas than in low-risk thymomas (types A, AB, and B1).…”

18F-FDG PET/CT is Useful for Pretreatment Assessment of the Histopathologic Type of Thymic Epithelial Tumors

“…However, conventional imaging modalities may be unable to differentiate among the various WHO histologic subtypes [3]. Recently, several studies were reported regarding the clinical role of positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of thymic epithelial tumors.…”

Usefulness of Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography in Management Strategy for Thymic Epithelial Tumors

“…Thymic epithelial tumors usually can be assessed with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [1,2]. Morphologic features are used for characterizing thymic lesions, such as the contours and shapes of the lesions, the presence of necrosis, calcification, mediastinal fat or great vessel invasion, contrast enhancement, and adjacent lymph node enlargement.…”