Abstract
Background: Neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus are rare neoplasms. Four patients with this tumor
who underwent multimodality treatment are presented and the literature is briefly
reviewed. Methods: The medical records of all patients treated for neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus
from 1979 to 2002 were reviewed. Tumors were classified using a slight modification
of the World Health Organization criteria. Results: The patients' median age was 38 years. All patients underwent extensive excision
of the tumor. Histological diagnosis was atypical carcinoid (2), typical carcinoid
(1), and small cell carcinoma (1). All patients developed recurrence(s). One patient
died 132 months after diagnosis. The remaining three patients are alive with no symptoms
at 135, 99, and 35 months, respectively, after diagnosis. Two patients with recurrences
have been on treatment with Octreotide LAR® with satisfactory results. One patient
is free of disease. Conclusions: Neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus are potentially aggressive tumors. Radical resection
is the treatment of choice. The encouraging results obtained by administration of
Octreotide LAR® in two of our patients warrant further investigation.
Key words
Mediastinum - carcinoid - Octreotide - recurrence - thymus
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Theodosios Dosios
Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery
2 Chatzigianni Mexi Str.
11528 Athens
Greece
Phone: + 302107247000
Fax: + 30 21 06 52 51 84
Email: dosioth@internet.gr
