Intrathymic epidermoid cyst: A very rare condition

Moon

et al. 2022

J Korean Soc Radiol

An epidermoid cyst is a benign tumor found anywhere in the body. However, the occurrence of epidermoid cysts in the thymus is extremely rare, with only six cases reported worldwide. The correct diagnosis of thymic epidermoid cysts is often difficult due to the unusual location and nonspecific imaging findings. Herein, we present a case of a thymic epidermoid cyst in a 37-year-old female with clinical information and chest CT findings. Further, we have reviewed previous literature reports describing imaging findings of thymic epidermoid cysts.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

CT Findings of Thymic Epidermoid Cyst in the Anterior Mediastinum: A Case Report and Literature Review

Moon

et al. 2022

J Korean Soc Radiol

“…Despite this, epidermoid cysts of the thymus are an extremely rare histological variant and are described only in a few cases in the literature, which is why it is rarely included in the differential diagnosis. [11][12][13][14] Since it is often difficult to make a conclusion based on imagistic examination the patients are operated in order to obtain a histology result and reliably exclude an oncological process.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A rare case of intrathymic epidermoid cyst

Covanţev

Afanaseva

Corlăteanu

2021

Thymic cysts are a rare abnormality accounting for 1%–3% of all mediastinal masses. In most cases, they are asymptomatic and localized in the anterior mediastinum. Despite their benign nature, the presence of a mass is an indication for surgery to obtain a histological conclusion and reliably exclude an oncological process. Epidermoid cysts are rare and only a few cases are described in the literature. In our case report, we present a rare case of examination and treatment of a patient with a large anterior mediastinum mass, which, according to the results of histology, was an epidermoid cyst of the thymus.

Case Reports in Radiology

“…This was thought to result from the introduction of epidermoid cells into the thymus following trauma [4]. Epidermoid tissue may be introduced in the thymus following surgery as well.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thymic Epidermoid Cyst: Clinical and Imaging Manifestations of This Rare Anterior Mediastinal Mass

Qureshi

Pagano

Mueller

et al. 2016

Thymic epidermoid cysts are an extremely rare entity. These arise from epidermal cells that migrate to the thymus. The radiologic diagnosis of this rare lesion is challenging. We describe a case of an otherwise healthy 35-year-old woman who presented with an acute onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. She was found to have an anterior mediastinal mass. The imaging findings were, however, not characteristic for any single diagnostic entity. Since the imaging was inconclusive, surgical resection was performed for definitive diagnosis. The mass was found to be a thymic epidermoid cyst. This case underlines the significance for radiologists to be aware that epidermoid cysts can occur in the thymus and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a heterogeneous anterior mediastinal mass.