Thymic metastasis in breast cancer: a case report

Korean J Radiol. 2007 Jul-Aug;8(4):360-3. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2007.8.4.360.

Abstract

A malignant tumor is generally believed to be very unlikely to metastasize to the thymus. Only three cases of thymic metastases have been reported so far in the medical literature. We report here a rare case of metastatic breast cancer to the thymus, which was detected by CT and PET scanning, and the metastasis was also confirmed by video-assisted thoracic surgery biopsy. Recognition of an unusual breast cancer metastasis, such as to the thymus, as well as the usual patterns of breast cancer metastasis will facilitate an accurate, prompt diagnosis and its appropriate treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / secondary
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Paclitaxel / therapeutic use
  • Thymus Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Thymus Neoplasms / secondary*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Paclitaxel