Long term oncological outcome of thymoma and thymic carcinoma – an analysis of 235 cases from a single institution

Background and objectives Thymoma has a variable long-term oncological outcome after surgical resection. Survival and tumor recurrence were analyzed to determine the predisposing factors for tumor recurrence. Methods A total of 235 patients who underwent surgery for thymoma or thymic carcinoma from December 1997 to March 2013 were analyzed using Masaoka staging system and World Health Organization (WHO) histological classification. Surgical intervention included extended thymothymectomy via median sternotomy and thymomectomy via thoracotomy/ video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Results The median duration of follow-up was 105 months (12–198 months). Among these 235 patients, recurrence was observed in 25 patients (10.7%). according to Masaoka stage I, IIA, IIB, III, IVA, IVB, recurrence rates were 1/65(1.5%), 8/106(7.5%), 1/32(3.1%), 6/20(30.0%), 8/10(80.0%), 1/1(100.0%), respectively. Disease or treatment-related mortality was observed in 13 patients. Overall survival rate was 94.4%. After univariate analysis, predisposing factors for tumor recurrence included Masaoka stage, WHO histologic type, tumor size, adjuvant therapy and margin status. Conclusions Due to the indolent behavior of thymoma, tumor recurrence appears to be a better assessment of oncological outcome rather than survival. Factors associated with tumor recurrence include Masaoka stage, WHO histologic type, tumor size, adjuvant therapy and margin status.