Thymic cancer
Thymic cancer makes up less than 1% of all the world’s cancer cases. Despite this rarity, thymic cancer can cause significant health problems if left untreated and invade other vital structures like your heart and lungs.
Our expert-led team can offer early diagnosis and prompt, comprehensive treatment for thymic cancer that caters to your needs. We’ll be here at every step, giving you confidence in your treatment plan and recovery.
What is thymic cancer?
Thymic cancer is a rare cancer that starts in your thymus, a tiny organ in your chest that contributes to your immune system by creating white blood cells to fight infections.
Types of thymic cancers include thymomas and thymic carcinomas, which can spread to other areas and organs in the body.
Thymic cancer is also associated with autoimmune disorders like myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness).
In its early stages, thymic cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. So, being aware of the condition and seeking medical care sooner rather than later can enhance the treatment’s effectiveness and improve your prognosis.
Thymic cancer symptoms
Thymic cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. However, thymic cancer requires prompt treatment to slow or stop its progression.
As the tumours grow and the condition advances, it can cause noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Persistent chest pain or discomfort due to the tumour’s growth
- Shortness of breath as the tumour exerts pressure on your airways
- A chronic dry cough from the tumour irritating your chest
- Swelling in your face or neck as the tumour presses on large veins
- Fatigue and lack of energy because of cancer’s effect on the body
- Problems swallowing (dysphagia) when the tumour presses on your oesophagus
- Voice changes like hoarseness as the tumour causes nerve compression
- Muscle weakness, likely linked to autoimmune conditions
- Unexplained weight loss due to cancer’s effects on your body
Other health conditions can cause these symptoms, so you must have them appropriately checked.
Thymic cancer diagnosis
Our multidisciplinary team uses various advanced diagnostics to confirm the condition and tailor your treatment plan.
Diagnostics investigations for thymic cancer include:
- Evaluating your symptoms during a comprehensive consultation
- Blood tests to confirm or rule out autoimmune conditions
- Imaging tests like a chest X-ray or computerised tomography (CT) scan to detect masses in your chest or confirm the stage of your thymic cancer
- Taking a biopsy (tissue sample) using a CT-guided biopsy or a mediastinoscopy to determine the thymic cancer
Thymic cancer treatment
Thymic cancer is graded into four stages to determine the most suitable treatment.
- Stage 1, the tumours are tiny and limited to the thymus gland.
- Stage 2, the cancer has grown to the thymus’s outer layers and potentially the surrounding fatty tissue.
- Stage 3 is where the cancer has spread to nearby organs like your lungs.
- Stage 4 is thymic cancer that’s spread into the lungs’ lining, nearby lymph nodes and other organs.
The more your thymic cancer has advanced, the harder it is to cure.
We offer several treatments for thymic cancer, including:
- Chemotherapy – a special medication that destroys cancer cells and stops them from growing and spreading
- Targeted therapies – medicine that eliminates cancer cells by targeting them and preventing them from dividing and spreading
- Immunotherapy – a treatment that helps your immune system recognise and attack cancer cells
- Radiotherapy – uses radiation doses to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours
The treatment that suits you will depend on the stage and severity of your thymic cancer. Our multidisciplinary team will discuss your treatment options and ensure you receive the ideal care for your needs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
It’s impossible to prevent thymic cancer because we don’t know its cause. However, leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking and radiation may decrease your risk.
Your treatment’s success rate will depend on your thymic cancer stage and your overall health. Our team will explain what to expect and advise on the possible treatment outcome so you’re fully informed.
Cancer treatments can make you feel fatigued and nauseous and cause vomiting and temporary hair loss. However, the side effects should improve as you recover from the treatments.