RESUMEN
Two cases of thymic tumors are presented, one cystic and the other solid. In neither case was a complete removal possible and both were subjected to post-operative irradiation. Although weakness was present in both patients, we incline to the belief that these tumors were not associated with myasthenia gravisThe literature is briefly reviewed and some general observations made. Thymic tumors associated with myasthenia gravis differ in no way from those with no such association. Diagnosis is difficult and can not be made unless myasthenia co-exists. Pleural pain is a sign of grave import as it may mean pleural implants. Thymoma are, as a rule, slow growing and spread more by invasion, although there have been reports of thyroid and pulmonary metastases. Roentgen studies for these tumors should include both PA and lateral views. In those fatal cases associated with myesthenia gravis, the cause of death was the myesthenia. In those with no myesthenia gravis, the tumor itself was usually fatal. Since they cannot be regarded as innocent and no accurate diagnosis can be made outside of histological examinations, exploratory thoracotomy is definitely urged for those patients with anterior superior mediasinal shadowsDeep x-ray may be of benefit for patients with ineradicable tumors. (Summary and Conclusion)