Thymoma, myasthenia gravis, and other paraneoplastic syndromes

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Jun;22(3):509-26. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2008.03.004.

Abstract

The relationship between myasthenia gravis and thymic pathology, including thymoma, is well known. Approximately 10% to 15% of patients who have myasthenia gravis are observed to have a thymoma. Myasthenia gravis may be considered as the most common of the paraneoplastic syndromes in patients who have thymoma. This article summarizes the clinical aspects of myasthenia gravis, followed by a review of the less often recognized paraneoplastic disorders noted to occur in patients who have thymoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / complications*
  • Thymectomy / adverse effects
  • Thymoma / complications*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / complications*

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents