Malformations

The gland may be very small or completely absent. Sometimes it is so much enlarged as to cover the pericardium and the great vessels. It generally begins to atrophy by about the second year, but traces may remain until puberty or later.

Hypertrophy, mainly of the lymphoid portion, may be present in cases of sudden death. In such instances there are usually lesions of the ductless glands, as thyroid.

Hyperemia with punctate hemorrhages is found in cases of death from asphyxia.

Inflammation is very rare, and takes the form of small abscesses. It may occur from extension of inflammations from adjoining tissues.

Tuberculosis occasionally occurs.

Syphilis occurs in the form of gummata, particularly in the newborn with congenital syphilis.

Tumors

Lymphoma and lymphosarcoma may originate within the thymus or its remnants.