An invasive thymoma extending into the superior vena cava and right atrium

Invasive thymoma commonly infiltrates mediastinal structures; however, intracardiac extension from an intracaval growth is rare. An unusual case of an invasive thymoma protruding into the RA is here described. A left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV) tumor appeared through the thymic veins of a 50-year-old female patient. The patient underwent a combined resection of the invasive tumor and superior vena cava (SVC) and right atrium (RA) under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Pathologic examination revealed this to be a WHO type B3 thymoma, Masaoka stage III. Following surgery, the patient’s symptoms disappeared, and the quality of life improved. The patient was then introduced to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This present case indicates that surgical treatment can create the opportunity for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and is suitable and necessary for the treatment of invasive thymoma.