Modified subcostal arch xiphoid thoracoscopic expanded thymectomy for thymic carcinoma: a case report and review of literature

Thymic neoplasms are a relatively uncommon tumor, with the anterior mediastinum being the most common. Median sternotomy is the procedure of choice for the treatment of thymomas. With the advent of thoracoscopy, an increasing number of countries are adopting the right thoracic approach for the treatment of thymomas, but there are still no clear surgical standards or modalities to treat thymic carcinoma. We propose a modified subxiphoid subcostal arch thoracoscopic enlarged thymectomy to treat thymic carcinoma based on various reviews. We have also reviewed the relevant literature on the subject of evidence-based medicine. The evaluation of CD70 in combination with CD5 and CD117 or preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma in combination with CD5 and CD117 may help to diagnose thymic squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) more accurately. The modified thoracoscopic expanded thymic resection under the costal arch of the xiphoid process is not only suitable for TSCC but also for thymic cyst, thymoma, locally invasive thymoma, and thymic carcinoma.