Thymus cancer and its symptoms

Thymus cancer is a rare type of cancer. Thymus is a small organ at the top of the chest that creates cells that are important for protecting the body from attack by invaders such as fungi and bacteria. Thymus cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the thymus cells. Malignant means it can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Thymic cancer is curable, especially if it is detected early, but it is more and more successful treating later stages of tumors.

What are the risk factors for thymus cancer

No specific inherited, environmental or life styles have ever been identified as risk factors. Some studies suggested a possible association with exposure to radiation in the upper chest area. The only known risk factors are age and ethnicity.

What are the symptoms of thymus cancer?

Although these symptoms may be caused by thymus cancer, they may also be caused by other diseases. However, if you suffer from any of these problems, it is important to see your doctor immediately so that any cause can be found and treated.

• Breathing
• Cough (which can cause bloody sputum)
• Pain in the chest
• Problems with swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight

Treatment of thymus cancer

Surgery is the most common solution for thymus cancer and can be accompanied by radiation or chemotherapy depending on the stage of the tumor and the success of the operation. In some cases, chemotherapy is preceding the surgery.

Prevention of thymus cancer

Because we do not know what causes most tumors it is impossible to know how to prevent them.

The immune system can help fight cancer

The immune system is crucial in the fight against cancer. While some drugs kill cancer cells and other treatments return cancer cells to normal cells, the immune system needs to be continually strengthened to make the treatment more complex.