## Overview Thymic lymphosarcoma is lymphoid neoplasia involving the thymus, typically in young horses. It produces a rapidly enlarging cranial mediastinal mass, pleural effusion, respiratory distress, and sometimes cranial vena cava syndrome (swelling of the head and neck). Cytology shows a monomorphic lymphoid population, distinguishing it from thymoma. Corticosteroids may give temporary improvement. Prognosis is poor. ## Causes Lymphoid neoplasia. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound or radiographs of the chest, thoracocentesis, and cytology. ## Treatment Palliative corticosteroids. Chemotherapy protocols exist but survival remains short. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor. Survival is typically weeks to a few months. ## Prevention None.
rapidly enlarging cranial mediastinal mass; pleural effusion; respiratory distress; cranial vena cava syndrome; partial response to corticosteroids
## Overview Thymic lymphosarcoma is lymphoid neoplasia involving the thymus, typically in young horses. It produces a rapidly enlarging cranial mediastinal mass, pleural effusion, respiratory distress, and sometimes cranial vena cava syndrome (swelling of the head and neck). Cytology shows a monomorphic lymphoid population, distinguishing it from thymoma. Corticosteroids may give temporary improvement. Prognosis is poor. ## Causes Lymphoid neoplasia. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound or radiographs of the chest, thoracocentesis, and cytology. ## Treatment Palliative corticosteroids. Chemotherapy protocols exist but survival remains short. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor. Survival is typically weeks to a few months. ## Prevention None.
rapidly enlarging cranial mediastinal mass; pleural effusion; respiratory distress; cranial vena cava syndrome; partial response to corticosteroids