Thymic Tumors

The thymus is a small organ in the chest that is part of the lymphatic system. It is most active in childhood, and shrinks in adulthood. Approximately 90% of thymus tumors are thymomas, which are slow growing. Some are associated with the auto immune disease myasthenia gravis. Thymic carcinoids are rare, but grow more quickly. Thymic cancer or carcinomas make up about 10% of thymic tumors. Most people do not experience symptoms from tumors of the thymus. Occasionally patients may have a persistent cough, chest pressure of trouble breathing. If the tumor needs resection it can be done robotically with minimal time in the hospital.

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