OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathologic features of thymic carcinoma and assess its prognostic factors.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed in 54 patients with thymic carcinoma who underwent surgical resection. Eighteen patients were treated by total resection of the tumor, 17 partial resection and 10 exploratory thoracotomy. The clinical stage was determined according to Masaoka's classification. The survival time and prognostic factors were evaluated by the log-rank and Cox multivariate analysis model.

RESULTSThe overall 5-year survival rate was 44.4%. Being located in anterior mediastinum and noncalcification in the tumor pathognomonically played an important role in the differential diagnosis. According to the multivariate analysis, tumor maximum diameter (OR = 1.84), histological subtype (OR = 1.70), completeness of resection (OR = 1.37), tumor invasion of peritumoral organs (OR = 1.32) and postoperative recurrence (OR = 1.26) were significant prognostic factors. Compared with other subtypes, carcinoid tumor had the characteristics of earlier lesion, better resection rate and better prognosis.

CONCLUSIONThe most important prognostic variables for thymic carcinoma are tumor maximum diameter, histological subtype, completeness of resection, tumoral invasion and postoperative recurrence. Complete resection followed by chemoradiotherapy should be considered as favorable on the basis of a definitive pathologic diagnosis.