What Are Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma?

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are tumors that arise from the thymus gland, a small organ located in the chest between the lungs. Thymomas are usually noncancerous (benign), while thymic carcinomas are cancerous (malignant).

Symptoms

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Chest pain

* Shortness of breath

* Cough

* Wheezing

* Fatigue

* Weight loss

* Loss of appetite

* Fever

* Night sweats

Diagnosis

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are diagnosed with a variety of tests, including:

* Physical examination

* Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans

* Biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope

Treatment

The treatment for thymoma and thymic carcinoma depends on the stage of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and the patient's preferences. Treatment options may include:

* Surgery

* Radiation therapy

* Chemotherapy

* Targeted therapy

* Immunotherapy

Prognosis

The prognosis for thymoma and thymic carcinoma depends on the stage of the tumor and the patient's overall health. The five-year survival rate for thymoma is about 70%, while the five-year survival rate for thymic carcinoma is about 30%.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent thymoma and thymic carcinoma.