Unusually large thymus showing involution - a case report

Abstract

The most superficial structure in the superior mediastinum, the thymus, usually continues to grow up to the age of 5-6yrs and progressively involutes thereafter. It hardly weighs more than 10 gms in an adult. During routine dissection of a cadaver in the Anatomy Department, Government Medical College, Thrissur,an unusually large thymus was noticed in the superior mediastinum extending into the anterior mediastinum. After histological examination of the same by the Pathologist, it was concluded as a case of thymus showing involution rather than a Thymoma or a Thymic Hyperplasia.

Keywords

• thymic hyperplasia
• thymoma
• anterior mediastinum