Thymic carcinoma with metastasis in a 29-year-old male causing radiculopathy

Thymic carcinoma is a rare, aggressive neoplasm with low 5-year survival rates ranging from 28 to 67%. Initial presentation with spinal or bone metastasis in primary thymic carcinoma is extremely rare. Thymic carcinoma, compared with thymoma, has higher recurrence rates and worse survival. We report one patient, a 29-year-old African-American male, with thymic carcinoma with metastasis to the epidural space (with cord compression), multiple bony structures (T10–L1) and left supraclavicular lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining was CD5 and c-Kit positive, consistent with thymic carcinoma. Patient underwent T12–L1 laminectomy with tumor resection to relieve cord compression and leg numbness/weakness. Patient was deemed a good candidate for rehabilitation. Soon after starting a rehabilitation program, he quickly demonstrated gains in gait distance with little to no assistance. Follow-up appointments with oncology were scheduled, and further planning of radiation and chemotherapy treatments were discussed.