Epidermoid Thymic Cyst - A Very Rare Mediastinal Mass.

OBJECTIVES

Thymic cysts represent 1-3% of all tumors in the anterior mediastinum, but their knowledge is important during the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass.

METHODS

We describe the case of a 52 years old woman, totally asymptomatic, with an incidental diagnosis of a mediastinal mass at thoracic computed tomography evaluation.

RESULTS

Thoracic magnetic resonance showed an heterogeneous mass with approximately 3,6 cm, at the anterior mediastinum. For diagnostic clarification, surgical excision was performed. The histopathological exam revealed an epidermoid thymic cyst.

CONCLUSION

Surgical excision and histopathological evaluation allow definite diagnosis of this tumor, associated with a good prognosis.