Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma

Definition

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare cancers that begin in the thymus, a small organ located in the upper chest behind the breastbone. Thymomas tend to grow slowly and remain localized, while thymic carcinomas are more aggressive and more likely to spread.

Characteristics

Many patients are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. When symptoms occur, they may include chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing, and symptoms related to autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis, which are commonly associated with thymoma.

Diagnosis and Prognosis

Diagnosis involves imaging tests (chest CT or MRI), biopsy, and sometimes surgical exploration. Prognosis depends on the type of tumor, its stage, and whether complete surgical removal is possible. Thymomas have a better prognosis than thymic carcinomas.

Treatment

Treatment options include surgery, which is often the primary approach for localized tumors. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery or in cases where surgery isn’t feasible. Thymic carcinoma may require more aggressive treatment strategies.

Last Revised: 12 May , 2025