Thymus Cancer

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma (also known as thymic cancer) are rare cancers of the thymic gland, which is located at the base of the neck, just above and behind the breastbone. The thymic gland is part of the endocrine system that produces white blood cells to help fight infections. Thymoma is slow-growing cancer that rarely leaves the thymus, while thymic carcinoma typically grows quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. Thymic cancer is often diagnosed via chest x-ray for an unrelated condition and sometimes presents alongside myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune conditions. Thymic cancer may not present with symptoms but can include lingering cough, shortness of breath and chest pain, difficulty speaking, and swelling in the chest, neck, or face. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Immunotherapy that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer is also being evaluated for safety and efficacy.