Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma. Report of a case with fine needle aspiration biopsy findings

Acta Cytol. 1999 Mar-Apr;43(2):232-4. doi: 10.1159/000330983.

Abstract

Background: Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma is a rare, benign tumor occurring exclusively in the supraclavicular and suprasternal regions. To the best of our knowledge, there are no English-language reports on its cytologic findings.

Case: A fine needle aspiration specimen from a mass in the suprasternal region in a 63-year-old male revealed epithelial cell nests, spindle cells, a cluster of mature adipocytes and a small number of lymphocytes.

Conclusion: Although ectopic hamartomatous thymoma is very rare, fine needle aspiration cytology may contribute to the correct diagnosis in conjunction with the characteristic clinical findings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / pathology
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Choristoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Choristoma / pathology*
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Hamartoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hamartoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck Muscles*
  • Thymoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Thymoma / pathology*
  • Ultrasonography