Which tumor is associated with Myasthenia Gravis in about 10% of patients?

Which tumor is associated with Myasthenia Gravis in about 10% of patients?

• A. Lymphoma
• B. Thymoma
• C. Glioma
• D. Neuroblastoma

Answer: (B)

Myasthenia gravis involves autoimmune attack on the neuromuscular junction, and the thymus plays a central role in shaping T-cell tolerance. When a thymic tumor called thymoma is present, it can drive the production of autoreactive T cells and B cells that generate anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, linking thymic pathology to MG. This is why thymoma is the tumor most commonly associated with myasthenia gravis, seen in about one in ten patients. Other tumors listed—lymphoma, glioma, neuroblastoma—don’t have the same established connection to MG.

Myasthenia gravis involves autoimmune attack on the neuromuscular junction, and the thymus plays a central role in shaping T-cell tolerance. When a thymic tumor called thymoma is present, it can drive the production of autoreactive T cells and B cells that generate anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, linking thymic pathology to MG. This is why thymoma is the tumor most commonly associated with myasthenia gravis, seen in about one in ten patients. Other tumors listed—lymphoma, glioma, neuroblastoma—don’t have the same established connection to MG.