Brain metastases from a thymoma: Case report for a rare secondary localization

Abstract

Thymomas are benign epithelial neoplasms originating from the thymus gland and are among the most common primary mediastinal tumors. Malignancy is typically determined by evidence of pathological invasion beyond the capsule, with local invasion being the primary mode of spread to adjacent organs. Distant metastases are exceedingly rare. We present the case of a 63-year-old man who exhibited symptoms suggestive of increased intracranial pressure and motor deficit. Brain imaging revealed multiple intracranial lesions. Surgical intervention was performed to excise the largest lesion. Subsequent body CT scan and pathological examination confirmed that the brain metastases originated from a primary thymoma, classified as B3. The patient was recommended for adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but unfortunately passed away at the initiation of therapy. The prognosis for patients with brain metastases from thymomas remains poor. Optimal management strategies typically involve prompt surgical intervention whenever feasible, followed by adjuvant therapy aimed at improving mean survival rates.

Keywords

• Metastases
• Thymoma
• Pneumology
• Neurosurgery