Advancement in Diagnostic Imaging of Thymic Tumors

Simple Summary Diagnostic imaging is pivotal for the diagnosis and staging of thymic tumors. It is important to distinguish thymoma and other tumor histotypes amenable to surgery from lymphoma. Furthermore, in cases of thymoma, it is necessary to differentiate between early and advanced disease before surgery since patients with locally advanced tumors require neoadjuvant chemotherapy for improving survival. This review aims to provide to radiologists a full spectrum of findings of thymic neoplasms using traditional and innovative imaging modalities. Abstract: Thymic tumors are rare neoplasms even if they are the most common primary neoplasm of the anterior mediastinum. In the era of advanced imaging modalities, such as functional MRI, dual-energy CT, perfusion CT and radiomics, it is possible to improve characterization of thymic epithelial tumors and other mediastinal tumors, assessment of tumor invasion into adjacent structures and detection of secondary lymph nodes and metastases. This review aims to illustrate the actual state of the art in diagnostic imaging of thymic lesions, describing imaging findings of thymoma and differential diagnosis.

Automated summary

Thymic tumors are rare neoplasms, however they are the most common primary neoplasm of the anterior mediastinum. Advanced imaging modalities, such as functional MRI and dual-energy CT, can greatly improve characterization of thymic epithelial tumors and other mediastinal tumors, as well as assessment of tumor invasion and detection of metastases. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of diagnostic imaging of thymic lesions, focusing on imaging findings of thymoma and differential diagnosis.