Q: Which doctor should I consult for thymic cancer?
A: You should consult your family physician when you experience persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, or chest pain. In most cases, thymic cancer is detected when a chest x-ray is performed for an unrelated reason.
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Q: Is there a cure for thymic cancer?
A: A cure for thymic cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Advanced stages that spread to other parts are difficult to cure with treatment.
Q: What makes the thymus shrink with age?
A: The thymus becomes smaller with increasing age as fatty deposits increase around the organ. However, the thymus continues to produce thymocytes throughout the lifespan of individuals.
Q: What are the autoimmune diseases that develop due to thymoma?
A:
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Lupus erythematosus
- Myasthenia gravis
- Thyroiditis
- Polymyositis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Acquired pure red cell aplasia
- Hypogammaglobulinemia
Q: Are thymomas benign or malignant?
A: Thymomas are malignant tumors.
Q: What are the factors that determine tumor recurrence?
A: WHO histologic classification, type of therapy, Masaoka-Koga staging, size of the tumor, and tumor margins, determine tumor recurrence.
