Using comparative genomic hybridisation, we investigated chromosomal imbalances in 28 cases of thymic epithelial neoplasms including type A, B2, B3, the A component of type AB and different subtypes of @entity2195 . To identify different patterns of chromosomal aberrations associated with the biological behaviour and the histological diversity of @entity704 , a hierarchical cluster analysis of 65 cases was performed. The here-reported Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (CGH) data (28 cases) of partly uninvestigated @entity5 subtypes were pooled with previously published data of chromosomal imbalances of 37 @entity704 (Zettl et al. [Am J Pathol 2000;157:257-66]). The analysis of 278 chromosomal subbands yielded 2 main clusters. The first main cluster was characterised by gains of the chromosomal arm 1q, consisted only of type C and B3 @entity704 and was further subdivided into 2 subgroups. To the first subgroup only @entity704 were attributed, which, in addition to gains of the chromosomal arm 1q, showed losses on 6q and 16q, whereas @entity5 belonging to the second subgroup exhibited no further recurrent chromosomal alterations. The second main cluster was formed by a heterogeneous group of @entity704 types (types A, @entity25657 ), showing no specific pattern of chromosomal imbalances. In 19 @entity704 , no chromosomal imbalances could be detected (3 type B2 and 5 @entity704 of our study as well as 11 @entity704 investigated by Zettl et al., Am J Pathol 2000;157:257-66). Chromosomal imbalances were more frequent in type C @entity704 than in other subtypes. The distribution of @entity5 stages according to Masaoka (p = 0.003) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification (p < 0.0001) was significantly different in the clusters and subgroups obtained. The groups reflect the staging system and the WHO classification and show that type @entity189 have a strong relationship concerning their chromosomal imbalances. Furthermore, chromosomal imbalances detected in some @entity704 might be responsible for the aggressive behaviour described in a few cases of this @entity704 subtype.

Clusters of chromosomal imbalances in XXXX are associated with the WHO classification and the staging system according to Masaoka.

@entity704 :: ('MESH:D013945', 'Disease') :: ['thymoma', 'thymomas', 'type A thymomas'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['tumours', 'tumour'] @entity189 :: ('MESH:D002277', 'Disease') :: ['B3 and type C carcinomas'] @entity25657 :: ('28907;680', 'Gene') :: ['AB, B2, B3 and C'] @entity2195 :: ('OMIM:211750', 'Disease') :: ['type C thymoma']
@entity5 :: (MESH:D009369,Disease) :: ['thymic epithelial tumours']
