When a thymic mass is identified, the made is achieved with [[histology]] (obtaining a tissue sample of the mass). When a thymoma is suspected, a [[Computed axial tomography|CT/CAT scan]] is generally performed to estimate the size of the tumor, and can be [[biopsy|biopsied]] with a CT-guided needle. There is a small risk of [[pneumomediastinum]], [[mediastinitis]] and the risk of damaging the [[heart]] or large blood vessels. The final diagnosis is made by removing the thymus. [[Anatomical pathology|Pathological]] investigation of the specimen will reveal if the tumor was benign or malignant, although the initial biopsy is usually indicative.<ref name="pmid10561285">{{cite journal |author=Thomas CR, Wright CD, Loehrer PJ |title=Thymoma: state of the art |journal=[[Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology]] |volume=17 |issue=7 |pages=2280–9 |year=1999 |month=July |pmid=10561285 |doi= |url=http://www.jco.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=10561285 |accessdate=2012-01-18}}</ref>
When athymom a is suspected, a [[Computed axial tomography|CT/CAT scan]] is generally performed to estimate the size of the tumor.
Key CT scan findings in thymoma include
===Key CT Scan Findings in Thymoma===
*Smooth or lobulated border that is partially or completely outlined by fat.
*Smooth or lobulated border that is partially or completely outlined by fat.
Computed Tomography scan may be diagnostic of thymoma. The tumor is generally located inside the thymus, and can be calcified. Increased vascular enhancement can be indicative of malignancy, as can be pleural deposits.
CT Scan
When athymom a is suspected, a CT/CAT scan is generally performed to estimate the size of the tumor.
Key CT scan findings in thymoma include
Smooth or lobulated border that is partially or completely outlined by fat.
Homogeneous soft tissue mass.
Fibrosis, cysts, hemorrhage or necrosis may be seen as decreased attenuation.
CT scan of the chest revealing a large necrotic mass in the left anterior mediastinum (later proven to be a thymoma) and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.
CT shows Thymoma (Image courtesy of RadsWiki and copylefted).
A 43-year-old female with myasthenia gravis. Chest CT demonstrate a small soft tissue mass at the anterior mediastinum, pathologically proven thymoma, axial.
A 43-year-old female with myasthenia gravis. Chest CT demonstrate a small soft tissue mass at the anterior mediastinum, pathologically proven thymoma, coronal.
