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Surgery Today

11-04-2024 | Thymoma | Original Article

The role of calcification in predicting invasion of thymoma to adjacent organs

Authors: Miyashita Yudai, Kanou Takashi, Ishida Hiroto, Fukui Eriko, Kimura Toru, Ose Naoko, Funaki Soichiro, Shintani Yasushi

Published in: Surgery Today

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Abstract

Purpose

Thoracoscopic procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) have gained popularity for the treatment of thymoma. Accurate preoperative assessments of tumor invasion are crucial to identifying the appropriate surgical approach. Although imaging techniques have been used to predict invasion, a quantifiable method is still needed in clinical practice.

Methods

The ubjects of this retrospective study were 226 patients with thymoma who underwent surgery at our hospital. Clinicopathological data, tumor staging, and recurrence rates were analyzed. Calcification identified through computed tomography (CT) defined the “calcified group” as having a long diameter of ≥ 5 mm. Statistical analyses were performed to assess relationships and survival outcomes.

Results

The calcified group had higher Masaoka and World Health Organization classification than the noncalcified group, with significantly higher organ invasion rates. The calcified group also had remarkably higher recurrence rates.

Conclusion

Thymoma calcification appears to correlate with increased invasiveness and recurrence rates, suggesting its potential as a predictor of tumor stage and prognosis. Despite its retrospective nature and inherent limitations, this study highlights the potential clinical significance of calcification in the surgical planning and prognostication of patients with thymoma.
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Metadata
Title
The role of calcification in predicting invasion of thymoma to adjacent organs
Authors
Miyashita Yudai
Kanou Takashi
Ishida Hiroto
Fukui Eriko
Kimura Toru
Ose Naoko
Funaki Soichiro
Shintani Yasushi
Publication date
11-04-2024
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Published in
Surgery Today
Print ISSN: 0941-1291
Electronic ISSN: 1436-2813
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-024-02826-w