- Thymoma is a rare tumor that develops in the thymus, a gland located behind the breastbone.
- Symptoms may include persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and unexplained weight loss.
- Treatment depends on the tumor stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and regular follow-up visits.
Thymoma is a rare tumor that develops in the thymus, a gland located behind the breastbone in the chest. It may not cause symptoms in the early stages.
As thymoma progresses, symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing may appear. This type of tumor usually grows slowly and is often benign, meaning it does not spread to other organs.
In rarer cases, thymoma can spread to other parts of the body, which may be called malignant thymoma or thymic carcinoma. Thymoma is more common in people over 50 and in those with autoimmune diseases, and should be evaluated by a primary care provider or oncologist.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of thymoma are:
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Difficulty breathing or swallowing
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Persistent weakness
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Swelling in the upper chest, face, or neck
Symptoms of thymoma are rare, and in most cases there are no specific symptoms. It is often found during tests done to diagnose other conditions.
Confirming a diagnosis
Thymoma is usually suspected by a primary care provider and confirmed by an oncologist through an evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests.
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, evaluation may include a chest CT scan, MRI, or PET/CT, along with a biopsy to confirm whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Blood tests for tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG), may also be ordered to help rule out other types of tumors, such as mediastinal germ cell tumors.
Stages of thymoma
Thymoma can be classified into different stages based on how far the tumor has spread, according to the Masaoka-Koga staging system.
As thymoma progresses to more advanced stages, it usually becomes more difficult to treat and cure. Because of this, people with autoimmune diseases are encouraged to have regular checkups so that any tumors can be found early and treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Possible causes
The exact cause of thymoma is not known. However, some autoimmune diseases, especially myasthenia gravis, as well as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Cushing syndrome, or dermatomyositis, may increase the risk of thymoma.
Treatment options
Treatment for thymoma should be guided by an oncologist and depends on the size and stage of the tumor, as well as the person’s overall health.
The main treatments for thymoma are:
1. Surgery
Surgery for thymoma may be recommended by the doctor to remove the tumor, the thymus, or other tissues affected by the tumor.
2. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to help destroy any remaining tumor cells. It may also be done before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.
This treatment can also be used in other organs when thymoma has already spread and caused metastases.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be recommended by an oncologist in more advanced cases or to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Treatments for thymoma may be combined, depending on the oncologist’s evaluation.
4. Regular medical appointments
Regular follow-up visits with an oncologist after thymoma treatment are important to monitor for side effects, order tests such as CT scans, and check that the tumor has not come back.