Open AccessPrognostic factors and genetic markers in thymoma
Author(s) -
Van Kolen Katrien,
Pierrache Laurence,
Heyman Stijn,
Pauwels Patrick,
Van Schil Paul
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
thoracic cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1759-7714
pISSN - 1759-7706
DOI - 10.1111/j.1759-7714.2010.00028.x
Subject(s) - medicine , thymoma , pathological , thymus neoplasm , oncology , genetic syndromes , radiology , pathology , pediatrics
In this literature review prognostic factors and genetic markers that play a role in the staging of thymomas are discussed. The effect on prognosis of different factors, such as paraneoplastic syndromes, age, gender, classification, capsular invasion and surgical treatment, is evaluated. There is no generally accepted pathological classification of thymomas. More recently developed surgical techniques such as video‐assisted or robotic thoracic surgery require longer follow‐up times to determine whether they have equal long‐term results compared to the classical surgical techniques. Many genetic markers have been described but at the present time no definite guidelines can be provided regarding screening and staging of thymomas.