Computed Tomography differential features of Anterior Mediastinal Thymoma and Lymphoma

Abstract

Background: To identify the CT features of anterior mediastinal thymoma and lymphoma and evaluate CT findings that may help in suggesting specific diagnosis among these tumors. Method: A total of fifty-eight chest CT scan studies with pathological diagnosis of thymoma (n = 30) and lymphoma (n =28) were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists who were blind to the pathological results. The CT features showing cyst and calcification within the lesion, contrast enhancement, relation with pleura and adjacent vessels, bone invasion and lymph node enlargement were evaluated. Results: In lymphoma (67.9%), the presence of associated mediastinal lymphadenopathy was significantly compared to thymoma. (P 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion age, lymph nodes involvement, calcification and relationship to adjacent vessels on CT scan will be helpful to give specific diagnosis on anterior mediastinum lymphoma and thymoma.

Keywords

• mediastinum
• lymphoma
• thymoma
• computed tomography