Lymph node metastases in thymic malignancies: a Chinese Alliance for Research in Thymomas retrospective database analysis†

Abstract

Lymph node metastasis in low-grade, early stage thymic tumours is a rare phenomenon. However, it is not uncommon in tumours with a higher stage or a higher histological grade, especially in neuroendocrine thymic tumours. Nodal involvement as well as tumour invasion and histological grade may denote worse prognosis. Lymph node dissection may be warranted in selected high-risk patients.