Pseudodicentric (16;12)(q11;p11.2) in a type AB (mixed) thymoma.
Genetic alterations of thymomas are rarely described in the literature. In this study, a previously unreported instance of aberrant karyotypic change consisting of 45,XX,pseu dic(16;12) (q11;p11.2) [cp23]/87-90,idemx2[cp4] in a Masaoka Stage II mixed thymoma or type AB thymoma affecting a 56-year-old Chinese woman is detailed. Abnormalities involving 12p containing important tumor suppressor-like genes have been documented especially in hematological malignancies. Recently, recurrent losses involving 16q, a locus known to harbor several tumor suppressor genes, have been described in type C thymomas (squamous cell carcinoma), suggesting a possible relationship between type AB thymoma and type C thymoma. Whether these genes are involved in the pathogenesis of type AB thymoma remain to be clarified and it is currently unclear if cytogenetic studies may eventually play a role in the classification of thymic tumors.
Goh
S G
SG
Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore, Singapore.
Lau
L C
LC
Sivaswaren
C
C
Chuah
K L
KL
Tan
P H
PH
Lai
D
D
D002681:China; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D002881:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12 / Q000235:genetics*; D002885:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16 / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007621:Karyotyping; D008875:Middle Aged; D013945:Thymoma / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure