title: Prognostic factors and genetic markers in thymoma.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Katrien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Kolen
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pierrache
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Stijn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heyman
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pauwels
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Schil
keywords: Genetics; prognostic factors; thymoma