Abstract

Massive thymic hyperplasia is a rare cause of giant thymic masses in children. Surgical excision is advocated by most authors for definitive histological analysis and relief of mediastinal and/or lung compression. Our aim is to attract attention to this rare entity and to emphasize the role of preoperative imaging upon the choice of surgical incision. Herein two children aged 6 and 7 years, with giant thymic masses were presented. While the patient having a mass located mainly in the right hemithorax underwent right thoracotomy, the other patient having a mass located in anterior mediatinum underwent sternotomy. Both masses were removed succesfully. These findings support that information obtained from preoperative computed tomography helps the surgeon to decide on thoracotomy or sternotomy.