Type B2 thymoma invading the superior vena cava and right atrium and with lung metastases: A young case report

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThymoma is a relatively rare type of tumor. It is more common in middle-aged patients than in children and young adults. We report a 26-year-old patient with advanced giant thymomas. The patient’s tumor have invaded the upper venous vein. There was also a large tumor in the right atrium. The patient had lung metastases. CASE SUMMARYWe report a patient with type B2 thymoma. His image studies showed a mediastinal space-occupying lesion that penetrated through the superior vena cava and extended into the right atrium, with metastases in the right lung and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, mediastinum, and bilateral axillary areas. Biopsy reports suggested type B2 thymoma. Multidisciplinary consultation concluded with a diagnosis of stage IVB thymoma. This patient began a chemotherapy regimen with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (CAP). Subsequent management decisions were made based on the treatment responses. CONCLUSIONAt present, thymoma treatment is mainly surgical. However, for patients with advanced thymoma, surgical treatment may risk the patient's survival. For advanced thymoma patients, we recommend chemotherapy (CAP), which may provide a new treatment option for patients with advanced thymoma.