Successful Giant Thymic Cyst Removal: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Giant thymic cysts are a rare clinical entity evolving from smaller benign thymic cysts over many years. Benign thymic cysts account for approximately 3% of all mediastinal masses. There is a paucity of literature regarding benign thymic cyst management, especially when dealing with giant cysts. This can lead to potential confusion amongst clinicians on how to best treat these patients. We report the successful diagnosis and treatment of a 76 year-old female with a giant, benign thymic cyst. This cyst was discovered incidentally and after consultation of the literature it was found management strategies regarding this condition are scarce. After careful consideration of surgical principles, patient preference and potential complications of a conservative approach, the successful surgical removal of a 1.8 kg cyst took place. The patient improved symptomatically with improved exercise tolerance and lung function tests. This case demonstrates the benefits of giant thymic cyst removal thus confirming diagnosis, reducing potential serious complications and improving patient quality of life.

Keywords: Benign thymic cyst; Excision; Giant thymic cyst; Median sternotomy.