What is thymoma?
Thymoma is a rare type of tumor that grows in the thymus, a small organ in the upper chest behind the breastbone. The thymus helps your body build its immune system, especially when you’re young. Thymomas usually grow slowly and don’t spread much, but they can sometimes be cancerous or cause problems with the immune system.
Causes of thymoma
Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes thymoma. It starts when cells in the thymus begin to grow in an abnormal way. While the exact cause is unknown, some things might increase your chances of getting it, including certain immune system conditions.
- Autoimmune diseases
- Abnormal immune system activity
Risk factors for thymoma
You may be more likely to get thymoma if you:
- Are between 40 and 70 years old
- Have a condition called myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- Have other autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Have a personal or family history of thymus problems
Symptoms of thymoma
Some people with thymoma don’t have any symptoms, especially early on. When symptoms do show up, they may include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Cough that won’t go away
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Swelling in the face, neck, or upper chest
- Weakness, especially in the arms or legs (if tied to autoimmune disease)
Diagnosing thymoma
To find out if someone has a thymoma, doctors may use:
- A chest X-ray or CT scan to look for a mass
- MRI to get a more detailed picture
- A biopsy, where a small piece of the tumor is taken out and tested
- Blood tests to check for related conditions like myasthenia gravis
Treatment of thymoma
Treatment depends on how big the tumor is and whether it has spread. Options may include:
- Surgery to remove the thymus (called a thymectomy)
- Radiation therapy to kill any leftover cancer cells
- Chemotherapy if the tumor has spread or can’t be removed completely
- Medications to treat related autoimmune conditions
When to seek care
Talk to your doctor if you:
- Have chest pain or pressure that doesn’t go away
- Notice swelling in your face or neck
- Feel weak or tired without a clear reason
- Have trouble breathing or a cough that lasts for weeks