Mediastinal tumors in general are unusual neoplasms. However, thymic epithelial tumors, namely thymoma and thymic carcinoma represent the most common epithelial tumors in the mediastinum. In the general assessment of mediastinal tumor, it is important to highlight that diagnostic imaging plays a highly important role not only in terms of specific location but also regarding the extent of the process, while the histopathological assessment -morphology, staging, and ancillary studies play an important role in deciding the best and most appropriate treatment modalities for these patients.
Important to mention is that while some patients may benefit from surgery alone others may benefit from other treatment modalities such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. It is essential to distinguish these two particular tumors as one is not the malignant or benign counterpart of the other. Once the diagnostic imaging and final diagnosis have been established, then it becomes important to determine the best treatment approach, which ultimately will provide the best outcome for these patients. This Research Topic in Frontiers in Oncology will highlight the different areas, which represent the essential steps in the best assessment of these tumors.
Since thymoma and thymic carcinoma are, relatively speaking, unusual tumors, authors are encouraged to present their experience on either thymoma, thymic carcinoma, or both. Whether that is from an imaging or histopathological diagnostic aspect, or from a treatment aspect. This can be accomplished by providing original contributions based on personal experience with series of cases or by providing their views on reviews of the literature. For this particular collection, no case reports will be considered for publication.
Mediastinal tumors in general are unusual neoplasms. However, thymic epithelial tumors, namely thymoma and thymic carcinoma represent the most common epithelial tumors in the mediastinum. In the general assessment of mediastinal tumor, it is important to highlight that diagnostic imaging plays a highly important role not only in terms of specific location but also regarding the extent of the process, while the histopathological assessment -morphology, staging, and ancillary studies play an important role in deciding the best and most appropriate treatment modalities for these patients.
Important to mention is that while some patients may benefit from surgery alone others may benefit from other treatment modalities such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. It is essential to distinguish these two particular tumors as one is not the malignant or benign counterpart of the other. Once the diagnostic imaging and final diagnosis have been established, then it becomes important to determine the best treatment approach, which ultimately will provide the best outcome for these patients. This Research Topic in Frontiers in Oncology will highlight the different areas, which represent the essential steps in the best assessment of these tumors.
Since thymoma and thymic carcinoma are, relatively speaking, unusual tumors, authors are encouraged to present their experience on either thymoma, thymic carcinoma, or both. Whether that is from an imaging or histopathological diagnostic aspect, or from a treatment aspect. This can be accomplished by providing original contributions based on personal experience with series of cases or by providing their views on reviews of the literature. For this particular collection, no case reports will be considered for publication.