Research Highlight: Metastatic Malignant Thymoma to the Abdomen

Thymoma is a rare neoplasm of thymic epithetical cells that has the ability to spread by local extension. While metastases are most commonly confined to the pleura, pericardium and diaphragm, cases of abdominal metastases have been reported. In a recent publication [ref 7], we conducted a SEER database and literature review to identify cases of malignant thymoma (MT) and abdominal metastases, demonstrating an increasing overall incidence of MT with a significant male predominance. Additionally, we suggested routine screening for all MT patients as roughly 50% of abdominal metastasis cases presented as asymptomatic, as well as a multimodal treatment approach for those with metastatic MT to the abdomen. In this highlight, we briefly present the evidence for a rising rate of MT, review reported cases of abdominal metastasis, and emphasize the need for a multimodal treatment approach.