Thymomas are rare tumors involving the anterior mediastinum. Localized thymomas can be surgically resected and have an excellent prognosis, whereas advanced thymomas are treated with induction chemotherapy followed by surgery. We report here the successful use of chemotherapy in a woman with stage IV thymoma with pericardial infiltration and effusion. Our experience suggests that aggressive chemotherapy with a cisplatin- and adriamycin-based regimen can lead to rapid regression of thymoma and significant improvement in symptoms.
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