Lymph node involvement and the surgical treatment of thymic epithelial and neuroendocrine carcinoma

ConclusionsThis retrospective, single center analysis demonstrates a high rate of lymph node metastasis in resectable thymic neuroendocrine tumors or carcinomas. Positive lymph nodes are associated with inferior outcome. Prospective studies are warranted to explore whether this can be improved by systematic lymphadenectomy and adjuvant therapies. Nevertheless, lymphadenectomy provides optimal staging and should be a routine part of surgery in patients with thymic malignancies.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research