What are Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma?
Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are both types of tumors originating in the thymus, a small organ located in the upper chest under the breastbone that plays a role in the immune system, particularly during early childhood. Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are also called thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) because they start in your thymus and form from epithelial cells (specialized cells that form the lining of various organs throughout the body). Despite originating from the same organ, they have distinct characteristics.
Thymoma
Thymomas are generally slow-growing and are often considered less aggressive than thymic carcinoma. They can be benign or malignant, but even malignant thymomas grow slowly and are less likely to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.
Thymomas are frequently associated with autoimmune disorders, most notably myasthenia gravis. Other associated conditions can include hypogammaglobulinemia (when the body doesn’t produce enough of the antibody gamma globulin) and red cell aplasia (when the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough red blood cells).
Thymic Carcinoma
Thymic carcinoma, also known as thymic cancer, is a more aggressive tumor and has a higher potential to metastasize to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, and bones. They are less commonly associated with autoimmune disorders compared to thymomas.
Risk Factors
- Age: Thymomas are most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults, typically between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Gender: Thymomas are slightly more common in men than in women.
- Ethnicity: In the U.S., thymoma and thymic carcinoma are more common in people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.
- Autoimmune Diseases: There is a strong association between thymomas and certain autoimmune diseases. These include:
- Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness.
- Lupus: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to various body systems.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints.
- Scleroderma: An autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissues.
- Hypogammaglobulinemia: A condition characterized by low levels of antibodies in the blood.
- Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation, particularly to the chest area, may increase the risk of developing thymic cancer.
- Genetic Factors: While most cases of thymic cancer are sporadic, some genetic predispositions may play a role. Research is ongoing to determine the genetic factors that might contribute to the development of thymomas and thymic cancer.
Choosing the cancer center that’s right for you is one of the most important decisions you make in your cancer journey. Understanding and managing lymphoma requires a team approach. At GW Cancer Center, you’ll be treated by one of the region’s most highly-rated Thoracic Oncology teams.