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Cystic degeneration of thymic Hodgkin's disease following radiation therapy
Author(s) -
Kim Hugh C.,
Nosher John,
Haas Alexander,
Sweeney William,
Lewis Ralph
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19850115)55:2<354::aid-cncr2820550209>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - medicine , radiation therapy , mediastinal mass , thoracotomy , radiology , radiography , disease , cyst , surgery , pathology
A case of thymic Hodgkin's disease presenting with an anterior mediastinal mass is reported. The mass progressively expanded in size on plain chest radiography during and following a mantle radiation therapy. A repeat computed tomographic (CT) scan of the chest in this patient revealed a cystic component to the mass, and thin‐needle aspiration of the cyst led to a shrinkage of the mass. An experience in this case and review of literature suggest Hodgkin's disease involving the thymus gland frequently predisposes to cystic degeneration especially following radiotherapy, leaving a stable or progressively enlarging residual mass. A precise diagnosis of such a progressively expanding mass despite the adequate radiation therapy is crucial. CT scan of the chest in such cases and a thin‐needle aspiration of the cystic mass offer precise diagnosis and may obviate the need for an open thoracotomy procedure.