Concurrent thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma in an anterior mediastinal mass

Pathol Res Pract. 2015 Sep;211(9):693-6. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2015.06.002. Epub 2015 Jun 9.

Abstract

We report a case of a 62-year-old man with concurrent thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Computed tomography revealed a 5.5-cm anterior mediastinal mass, and surgical resection was performed. Histologically, the mass showed concurrent thymoma (type AB), thymic carcinoma, and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Lymphoma cells infiltrated in the left lung, pulmonary hilar lymph nodes, and involved bone marrow. The patient underwent chemotherapy for T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma and achieved remission. One year after surgery, he remains free of both thymoma and thymic carcinoma, and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma remains complete remission under maintenance therapy. Thymoma and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma can combine in the same mass, although this is quite rare. At the time of the diagnosis of thymoma, additional attention should be directed toward lymphocytes in the background.

Keywords: T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma; Thymic carcinoma; Thymoma; Thymus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma / chemistry
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / surgery
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary*
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / metabolism
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology*
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / surgery
  • Thymoma / chemistry
  • Thymoma / pathology*
  • Thymoma / surgery
  • Thymus Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Thymus Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor