Management of stage I and II thymoma

Abstract

With a knowledgeable assessment of the clinical presentation and demographic and radiologic characteristics, most thymomas can be reliably identified preoperatively without the need for a biopsy. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for stage I and II thymoma. The rate of complete resection is essentially 100% by open techniques, and recurrences are rare. A complete thymectomy via a sternotomy is the standard approach. Adjuvant radiotherapy after a complete resection does not appear to be of benefit. In the rare event of a recurrence, an aggressive approach should be taken with re-resection whenever possible.