Malignant thymoma: role of radiation therapy in management.
Malignant thymoma is a rare tumor generally seen as an anterior mediastinal mass. Radiation therapy in ten patients with malignant thymoma diagnosed in 1968-1983 was reviewed retrospectively. Surgical therapy consisted of subtotal resection in four patients and biopsy only in six. Megavoltage irradiation in the dose range of 4,600-5,250 cGy was employed. In all symptomatic patients, palliation of presenting symptoms was achieved. In seven patients, a greater than 50% reduction in tumor mass followed radiation therapy. Local control was achieved in six patients. Three patients show no evidence of disease clinically, after a minimum follow-up study of 1 year. Radiation therapy is an important therapeutic modality in the control of malignant thymoma.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011867:Radioisotope Teletherapy; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013945:Thymoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors
D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes