Thymoma: An Overview

Abstract

Thymomas are considered one of the most prevalent types of mediastinal epithelial tumors, which frequently develop in the anterior mediastinum. Due to their rarity, these tumors’ nomenclature, classification, and staging are likely to be the subject of debate and argument for most expert pathologists. Furthermore, the significance of thymoma histologic classifications have been debated over the past twenty years. While certain advocates argue that staging at the time of diagnosis is more significant, others believe that histologic subtyping has a significant impact on how patients behave clinically. In this review, we will focus on some of the challenges that diagnostic surgical pathologists may experience while evaluating the histopathology of thymomas and staging these tumors. We will additionally glance over the clinical characteristics of these distinct tumors and the current management strategy.