Thymoma presenting as massive pleural effusion: An unusual presentation

Abstract

The mediastinum is an anatomical space between the lungs that houses the thymus, heart, large blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, and portions of the esophagus and trachea. It divides into anterior, middle, and posterior compartments. Mediastinal masses encompass a broad histopathological spectrum, ranging from benign to malignant. Fifty percent of mediastinal masses occur in the anterior compartment, the most common of which are thymoma, teratoma, thyroid goiter, and lymphoma. Thymoma is one of the causes of anterior mediastinal masses. The incidence of thymoma is quiet less. It is usually benign in nature. Malignant thymoma is very rare and pleural involvement is further rare. We are reporting a case of malignant thymoma presenting as massive pleural effusion.