Thymoma (patient information)
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Thymoma (patient information) | |
Thymoma: A bottle-shaped tumor is encapsulated and shows a bulging, rather homogeneous, faintly lobulated ivory-colored cut surface. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology | |
ICD-10 | C37.9, D60 |
ICD-9 | 164.0, 212.6 |
ICD-O: | 8580 |
DiseasesDB | 13067 |
MedlinePlus | 001086 |
eMedicine | med/2752 med/3448 ped/2246 |
MeSH | D013945 |
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What is thymoma?
The thymus lies in the upper chest under the breastbone and it is part of the lymph system. There are different types of tumors of the thymus: thymoma and thymic carcinomas. Thymoma usually is benign, and frequently encapsulated. Thymoma doesn't have any early symptoms. With the development of the tumor, frequent symptoms include trouble breathing, cough or chest pain. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
How do I know if I have thymoma and what are the symptoms of thymoma?
Early thymoma does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- A cough that doesn't go away
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for thymoma?
Not much is known about why thymoma develop in some people but not in others.
How to know you have thymoma?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for thymoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating thymoma
Prevention of thymoma
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of thymoma depends on the following:
- The location of the tumor
- The stage of the tumor
- Whether the tumor can be removed completely by surgery
- The patient's general health
- Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred
Copyleft Sources
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_1x_what_is_thymus_cancer_42.asp?sitearea=&level=
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/thymoma/patient