Source: Cancer Resource Room

What is Thymoma Cancer?
Thymoma is a tumor of the thymus. The thymus is located behind the sternum (breastbone) in an area called the mediastinum. The thymus is a small immune system organ. Its job is to make T-cells that help fight infections. The thymus has two types of cells, epithelial (lining or covering cells) and lymphocytic (cells of the immune system). Thymoma can involve both types of cells. It can be benign (not a cancer), or malignant (cancer). Thymoma occurs most often in people in their 30's and 40's. It is frequently seen in people with a disease called Myasthenia Gravis.

What are the symptoms of thymoma?
The thymus is located behind the breastbone and in front of the trachea (windpipe), esophagus, heart, and the large blood vessels going to and from the heart. Because of its' location, a thymoma can put pressure on any of these parts. If it does, the symptoms can include:

• cough
• chest pain when taking a deep breath
• shortness of breath
• difficulty swallowing
• wheezing
• hoarseness
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or above the collar bone

Many patients with thymoma do not have any symptoms but may notice a swelling just above the breastbone. About one third of patients with thymoma are diagnosed during evaluation of myasthenia gravis.

How is a thymoma diagnosed?
A patient with symptoms like those listed above should be examined by a doctor. A medical history and physical exam will be done. There are no blood tests that can diagnose thymoma, but they are helpful in understanding a person's general health. Specific tests that help in diagnosing thymoma are: :

• Chest x-ray-a plain chest x-ray may show a mass or lump along the shadow made by the sternum. It may have white spots called calcifications in it.
• Chest CT scan-a series of thin, cross-section x-rays of the chest that can show the tumor and its relation to the other structures in the chest.
• Chest MRI-thin, cross-section images that are useful for showing the mass in relation to the large blood vessels near the heart.
• CT-guided needle biopsy-a chest CT is done to locate the mass suspected of being a thymoma. A needle is placed into the mass using the CT scan as a guide, and a sample of the tumor cells or tissue is removed. This is done using local anesthetic to numb the skin.
• Mediastinoscopy-done under general anesthesia in the operating room. It uses a narrow tube with a video camera in it to look behind the sternum (breastbone) in the area called the mediastinum. The chest surgeon can use the camera to see any abnormal tissue and take small samples of it. The samples are examined under a microscope to make the diagnosis of thymoma.

Are all thymomas the same?
Thymomas have two types of cells, epithelial and lymphocytic. Thymomas are classified by which cell type there is the most of in that tumor. It can also be "mixed," which is a balance of the two types of cells. The other difference is whether the tumor is invasive (growing into nearby tissue). Some thymomas are invasive while others are not. Invasive tumors are more difficult to treat.

What are the stages of thymoma?
The stage of thymoma is based on the invasion of the tumor into other parts in the chest, and on its spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Spread of thymoma is rare. The stage of the tumor is used in planning a patient's treatment.

• Stage I: tumor is contained and shows no invasion of other tissues
• Stage II: tumor cells invade the fat layer in the mediastinum, the pleura (lining of the chest), or the tissue surrounding the tumor (called its "capsule")
• Stage III: tumor cells invade the covering tissue of the heart (the pericardium), the large blood vessels going to and from the heart, or the lung
• Stage IV: spread of tumor to the tissues lining the chest or covering the heart
• Stage V: spread of tumor through the blood or lymph vessels to other parts of the body

Support & Education Programs

We know that being diagnosed with cancer can be stressful for you and your family. We offer a variety of cancer support services to help patients and families gain the support and information they will need to meet the challenges ahead.

To find cancer support and education workshops, and wellness services offered this month, please view the HOPES calendar

Read the most recent SUPPORT publication, a resource written by patients and families for patients and families >>>