THYMOMA: CLINICAL FEATURES, DIAGNOSIS, AND EMERGING THERAPIES

Abstract

Thymoma is the most common anterior mediastinal tumor in adults, originating from thymic epithelial cells. Despite its low incidence, it holds significant clinical relevance due to its association with autoimmune diseases, particularly myasthenia gravis. Thymomas exhibit variable biological behavior, ranging from encapsulated lesions to invasive and metastatic forms. Histological classification, such as that proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and clinical staging, like the Masaoka-Koga system, are essential tools for prognostic assessment and therapeutic planning. The main treatment is complete surgical resection, with adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending on the stage and local invasion. Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques and the use of adjuvant therapies have improved patient outcomes. The rarity of thymoma and its association with multiple clinical syndromes require a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, thoracic surgeons, immunologists, and neurologists. Long-term follow-up is necessary due to the risk of late recurrence. Current understanding of thymoma is still evolving, with research focusing on its molecular pathogenesis, prognostic markers, and personalized therapeutic options.