Thymoma and thymic cancer are rare diseases in which malignant cancer cells form within the thymus gland, a small organ that is part of the lymphatic system and lies in the anterior mediastinum under the breastbone. They occur at a rate of only 1.5 cases for every million people each year in the United States.
The thymus makes infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes. Tumor cells in a thymoma look similar to normal cells of the thymus, grow slowly, and rarely spread beyond the thymus. Thymomas are often cured by surgery or surgery followed by radiation. Tumor cells in a thymic carcinoma, however, look very different from normal thymus cells, grow more quickly, and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Thymic carcinoma is more difficult to treat than thymoma and can require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
The specialists at The Lung Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital use the most advanced diagnostic methods and proven treatments for patients with thymoma and thymic cancer, including minimally invasive surgical techniques aided by video and robotic technology. We are the surgical team for Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, an exceptional collaboration between two world-class medical centers.
People with thymoma often have autoimmune diseases which cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue and organs. They include:
Sometimes thymoma and thymic cancer do not cause symptoms and are found during a routine chest X-ray. When tumors in the thymus press on nearby structures they may cause:
Your thoracic surgeon may conduct the following tests and procedures to diagnose thymoma or thymic cancer:
Staging helps in treatment planning by determining where cancer is in the body and how much it has spread from the original site. Staging is determined through tests and procedures.
Stage I Cancer is found only within the thymus. All cancer cells are inside the capsule (sac) that surrounds the thymus.
Stage II Cancer has spread through the capsule and into the fat around the thymus or into the lining of the chest cavity.
Stage III Cancer has spread to nearby organs in the chest, including the lung, the sac around the heart (pericardium), or large blood vessels that carry blood to the heart or lungs.
Stage IV is divided into stage IVA and stage IVB, depending on where the cancer has spread. In stage IVA, cancer has spread widely around the lungs and heart.
In stage IVB, cancer has spread to the blood, lymphatic system or pleural space (around the lungs).
Options vary depending upon the size and location of the tumor, but surgery is often the recommended treatment for thymoma. In both advanced thymoma and in thymic cancer, surgery may be performed before or after chemotherapy, radiation and clinical trials of chemotherapy and radiation.
Although a traditional surgical approach is still needed for many complex thoracic cases, an increasing number of diagnostic and surgical procedures now can be approached through smaller incisions and by using less invasive techniques aided by video and robotic technology. These procedures have been found to be accurate, efficient, cost-effective, and safe through years of technological development and experience. They are specifically indicated for small tumors which are less than 5 cm or 2 inches in size. Bigger tumors still require open surgery to reduce the risk of spread.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells. Radiation is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor or after to treat the margin of the resection bed. The Radiation Oncology service at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center uses the most advanced equipment and techniques to deliver radiation to cancerous areas, while minimizing exposure to normal tissues.
Chemotherapy at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the entire body. Chemotherapy is often used before or after surgery or alone in the most advanced cases. When used before surgery, the purpose is to shrink the tumor so it can be surgically removed.
Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Corticosteroid drugs may be used.
You will receive a thorough diagnostic examination and receive clinically-proven treatment by a board-certified surgeon with expertise in thymoma and thymic cancer. Our goal is to alleviate or eliminate symptoms so patients can confidently resume everyday activities. Thymic carcinomas commonly recur and thymomas may recur after a long time. There is also an increased risk of having another type of cancer after having a thymoma. For these reasons, lifelong follow-up is needed.
Thymoma and thymic cancer patients benefit from the wide range of specialists at The Lung Center. Brigham and Women’s Hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, collaborating with colleagues in other medical specialties. Our treatment team includes thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and pulmonologists. If your thoracic surgeon discovers an underlying illness or concern, you will be referred to a physician for an expert evaluation.
Visit the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center for more information about thoracic cancer.
Go to our online health library to learn more about thoracic diseases and tests.
Visit the Kessler Health Education Library in the Bretholtz Center for Patients and Families to access computers and knowledgeable staff.
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