Thymic carcinoma with primary spine metastasis.

Thymic carcinomas (TC) are rare tumors, representing 0.2% to 1.5% of all malignancies, with extrathoracic metastases to liver, kidney and bone occurring in 1% to 15% of patients. Although TC exhibit highly aggressive biological behavior, spinal metastasis with cord compression is rare. We describe a 57-year-old man with a 2-month history of cervicodorsal pain diagnosed with TC with primary spinal metastasis. We conclude that TC should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients who have developed spine metastatic tumors. Early detection and appropriate surgical treatment can lead to preservation of spinal stability and neurologic improvement.