Hi Xanadu,

Not to confuse matters more, but I got a bit curious when I read in another thread that you also have Addison's disease and I think hypothyroidism?

I googled addison's disease + hyperplastic thymus, and I found some info. saying that anyone who has an adrenalectomy and many with addison's develop a hyperlastic thymus for some reason. Also, people with Grave's disease (which I know is the opposite of hypothyroidism, but still kinda interesting) also often develop a hyperplastic thymus.

I came across this article re. Graves and the thymus. It's by an MG expert here in Ontario (one that I was raving to you about in another thread).

http://cjns.metapress.com/app/home/c...lts,1:300307,1

Anyway, sometimes, at least with the Grave's, symptoms of it can be almost identical to MG. In the above case, when the patient was treated properly for Grave's, the MG-like symptoms disappeared.

It's all so confusing, though. I wonder why the thymus becomes hyperplastic in these conditions without actually causing MG? It's kinda weird...But maybe that's why your hyperplastic thymus isn't being looked at more closely? Has the doctor ever mentioned that it could be enlarged in Addison's? It still seems like you have MG, though, from everything you describe, and it isn't uncommon to have both- in fact, they seem to be connected.

Hi Nicky, That is what I found when I googled too. No one has actually sat down with me and explained all of this but over time ( and googling ) I have started to work out why there may be a delay for me being dx with MG. I do actually have the Graves antibodies as well as the Hashimotos antibodies ( low and high thyroid) but that can happen with 'simple' Hashimotos as well. And they are not terribly high... And my Addisons appears to be more Pituitary than autoimmune... no AD antibodies ever been found - but that is not conclusive either - as they are fairly transient. I seem to be caught in some type of twilight zone !

Hello!! I am new 2 this site and was hoping 2 get any info. on a sternotomy. I am really scared and nervous. I would appreciate any info. on ur experience with this surgery. Hope 2 hear from some one soon!!!


Thank-you!!

My mom have cancer (Thymic Carcinoma).diagnosis on 6/15/2011
the Size of tumor:7.2x 5.5cm.

She is 54 years old.Symptoms Findings on 12/2010.continous cough for one and half years.Doctor say this situation cannot take out by surgical.he predict the chemotherapy and radiation treatment will not be good result,So She don't want to cure by chemotherapy and radiation.

I would appreciate on other treatments and experience with this type of cancer naturally. I understand this is a rare type of cancer,
but hopefully can help us become more informed.

Thank very much!
Brian

CT report:

Findings:
Bulky lobulated soft tissue mass over upper mediastinum,showing mild homogeneous enhancement
It measure 7.2 x 5.5cm on largest transaxial plane, and about 6.5cm in height. It lies above
the level of aortic arch immediately posterior to manubrium, which shows some erosion of the
posterior cortex,suggestive of local infiltration.

This upper mediastinal mass encases the brachiocephalic vessels.Bilateral brachiocephalic arteries
remain patent,while bilateral brachiocephalic veins and superior vena cava are occluded.There are
enhanced collateral veins over chest wall and dilated azygous venous system.

There is mass effect with mild compression of the cervical part of trachea.Thyroid gland is unremarkable.

There are multiple enlarged lymph nodes in bilateral supraclavicular fossae,around carina and adjacent to
aortic arch.No enlarged hilar lymph node.Major airways are patent.There is no gross pulmonary mass in both lungs.
No pleural effusion.

Transient arterial triangular enhancement in left lobe of liver,which becomes homogeneous with rest of liver in
portovenous phase,suggestive of shunting.Adrenal glands are not enlarged.

Imprssion:
Bulky upper mediastinal mass obstructing bilateral brachiocephalic veins and SVC,Features are suggestive of lymphoma.
Biopsy helpful to confirm diagnosis.Other differential diagnoses such as thymoma is less likely.

Brian,
Would love to know if you can see the mass on your mother from the outside?

Hi, newmg,
As with our experience with my daughter's MG,seems like there is no certain way to differ Hyperplasia from Thymoma,based on CT results,or....even right away after surgery: the surgeon and chief oncologist were sure (or that's what they said...),my daughter had thymoma, and insisted on the surgery (transternal),she did not have signs of MG at that time,except of constant cough for 2 months,which Drs dismissed as MG simptoms.
I don't want to go to all details,she did start having MG simptoms,she did have surgery,complications, it was long way to recovery ( from surgery), but when, after surgery,I asked the surgeon,during his round visit,what was it in " Pathology report" ,he asked his assistant ,and the assistant read : thymic hyperplasia. I saw him to be REALLY confused,he said : Could not be! I am sure I was removing Thymoma!
....Well,then came another report: thymoma of rare kind,no comparison possible....I do not believe in that ,I do not believe them.
We still don't know,what was it...I just know, IMO,if its possible,go with less invasive
procedure,to avoid complications,as MG is hard thing to deal with anyway.
Best of luck.
Marina.