Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma Treatment (Adult) (PDQ®)–Patient Version

General Information About Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma

KEY POINTS

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the thymus.
Thymoma is linked with myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune paraneoplastic diseases.
Signs and symptoms of thymoma and thymic carcinoma include a cough and chest pain.
Tests that examine the thymus are used to help diagnose and stage thymoma and thymic carcinoma.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the thymus.

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma, also called thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), are two types of rare cancers that can form in the cells that cover the outside surface of the thymus. The thymus is a small organ that lies in the upper chest above the heart and under the breastbone. It is part of the lymph system and makes white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that help fight infection. These cancers usually form between the lungs in the front part of the chest and are sometimes found during a chest x-ray that is done for another reason.