World Journal of Surgical Oncology (Aug 2008)

Paraneoplastic pemphigus regression after thymoma resection

  • Stergiou Eleni,
  • Asteriou Christos,
  • Boukovinas Ioannis,
  • Paliouras Dimitrios,
  • Samanidis Georgios,
  • Barbetakis Nikolaos,
  • Laschos Kostas,
  • Tsilikas Christodoulos

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7819-6-83
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
p. 83

Abstract

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Abstract Background Among human neoplasms thymomas are associated with highest frequency with paraneoplastic autoimmune diseases. Case presentation A case of a 42-year-old woman with paraneoplastic pemphigus as the first manifestation of thymoma is reported. Transsternal complete thymoma resection achieved pemphigus regression. The clinical correlations between pemphigus and thymoma are presented. Conclusion Our case report provides further evidence for the important role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of paraneoplastic skin diseases in thymoma patients. It also documents the improvement of the associated pemphigus after radical treatment of the thymoma.