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Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Introduction

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some basic information about these diseases and the parts of the body they may affect. This is the first page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma. Use the menu to see other pages. Think of that menu as a roadmap to this entire guide.

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are types of cancer that begin in the thymus. The thymus is located under the breastbone, also called the sternum. It is a small organ that is part of the body’s immune system.

About the lymphatic system

The thymus is part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of thin vessels that branch out to all parts of the body. These vessels carry lymph. Lymph is a colorless fluid that carries away waste and transports a type of white blood cell call lymphocytes. Lymphocytes fight germs throughout the body. There are two kinds of lymphocytes:

  • B-lymphocytes make antibodies to fight bacteria. They may also be called B cells.

  • T-lymphocytes destroy foreign cells and trigger the B cells to make antibodies. They are also called T cells.

Early in life, the thymus is involved in the development and maturation of white blood cells, in particular T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes eventually travel to lymph nodes and around the body. In adulthood, the thymus is quite small and often replaced by fat.

Several other structures are involved in the lymphatic system:

  • Lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped organs that filter the lymph fluid. They are found in clusters in the neck, underarms, abdomen, pelvis, and groin. When bacteria get into the lymph nodes, they swell.

  • The spleen, which makes lymphocytes and filters blood

  • The tonsils, located in the throat

About thymoma and thymic carcinoma

Cancer begins when healthy cells change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread.

There are different types of cancer that can start in the thymus. The thymus contains 2 main types of cells:

  • Epithelial cells. The cells that line the thymus are called thymic epithelial cells. When these cells change and grow out of control, it is considered thymoma or thymic carcinoma.

    Thymomas are generally slow-growing tumors. Occasionally, it can spread to the lining of the lung, called the pleura. Less often, it can spread to other parts of the body. Thymic carcinoma (see Stages) also starts in the thymus. It is more likely to spread to the lining of the lungs and other parts of the body. Thymic carcinoma can also be more difficult to treat.

  • Lymphocytes. Cancer that begins in the lymphocytes is called lymphoma. Learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Rarely, another type of tumor called a thymic neuroendocrine tumor (TNET, previous called a carcinoid tumor) can develop in the thymus. TNETs can be difficult to treat and treatment depends on the type of TNET (see Stages). You can learn more about neuroendocrine tumors in another section of this website.

About 30% to 50% of people with thymic tumors also have a condition called myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies or T-cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the person producing them. The main symptom of myasthenia gravis is fluctuating weakness in various muscles. It may affect any muscle that is under voluntary control, such as those that control eye movements, chewing, swallowing, coughing, and facial expression. Muscles that control breathing and movements of the arms and legs may also be affected in more severe cases. Myasthenia gravis may appear before a thymic tumor is diagnosed or it may develop during or after treatment.

In addition to myasthenia gravis, people with a thymic tumor may have other groups of syndromes, called paraneoplastic syndromes. These may include severe low red blood cell count or anemia, called pure red cell aplasia, or low levels of antibodies known as immunoglobulins in the blood, called hypogammaglobulinemia.

The next section in this guide is Statistics. It helps explain how many people are diagnosed with thymoma and thymic carcinoma and general survival rates. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Statistics

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about the estimated number of people who will be diagnosed with thymoma and thymic carcinoma each year. You will also read general information on surviving these diseases. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors, and no 2 people are the same. Use the menu to see other pages.

Every person is different, with different factors influencing their risk of being diagnosed with either of these tumors and the chance of recovery after a diagnosis. It is important to talk with your doctor about any questions you have around the general statistics provided below and what they may mean for you individually. The original sources for these statistics are provided at the bottom of this page.

How many people are diagnosed with thymoma and thymic carcinoma?

Most tumors that begin in the thymus are thymoma, but overall, thymoma is uncommon. For every 1 million people in the United States, about 1.5 people will be diagnosed with thymoma. This means about 400 people per year are diagnosed with this disease. However, the exact number is not known. Thymic carcinoma accounts for 20% of all tumors in the thymus.

What is the survival rate for thymoma and thymic carcinoma cancer?

There are different types of statistics that can help doctors evaluate a person’s chance of recovery from thymoma or thymic carcinoma. These are called survival statistics. A specific type of survival statistic is called the relative survival rate. It is often used to predict how having cancer may affect life expectancy. Relative survival rate looks at how likely people with thymoma or thymic carcinoma are to survive for a certain amount of time after their initial diagnosis or start of treatment compared to the expected survival of similar people without these cancers.

Example: Here is an example to help explain what a relative survival rate means. Please note this is only an example and not specific to this type of cancer. Let’s assume that the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific type of cancer is 90%. “Percent” means how many out of 100. Imagine there are 1,000 people without cancer, and based on their age and other characteristics, you expect 900 of the 1,000 to be alive in 5 years. Also imagine there are another 1,000 people similar in age and other characteristics as the first 1,000, but they all have the specific type of cancer that has a 5-year survival rate of 90%. This means it is expected that 810 of the people with the specific cancer (90% of 900) will be alive in 5 years.

It is important to remember that statistics on the survival rates for people with thymoma or thymic carcinoma are only an estimate. They cannot tell an individual person if cancer will or will not shorten their life. Instead, these statistics describe trends in groups of people previously diagnosed with the same disease, including specific stages of the disease.

The 5-year relative survival rate for thymus cancer is 72%.

The survival rates for thymus cancer vary based on several factors. These include the stage and classification of cancer, a person’s age and general health, and how well the treatment plan works.

If the thymic cancer is located only in the thymus, the 5-year relative survival rate is 94%. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 80%. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 38%.

Experts measure relative survival rate statistics for thymoma and thymic carcinoma cancer every 5 years. This means the estimate may not reflect the results of advancements in how thymoma and thymic carcinoma cancer are diagnosed or treated from the last 5 years. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about this information. Learn more about understanding statistics.

Statistics adapted from the websites of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. (All sources accessed March 2023.)

The next section in this guide is Risk Factors. It explains what factors may increase the chance of developing thymoma or thymic carcinoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Risk Factors

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out that more research is needed to learn more about the factors that increase the chance of developing thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Use the menu to see other pages.

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

Currently, there are no known risk factors for thymoma or thymic carcinoma. If you are concerned about your risk of this type of cancer, be sure to talk with your doctor.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what changes or medical problems thymoma and thymic carcinoma can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Symptoms and Signs

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about changes and other things that can signal a problem that may need medical care. Use the menu to see other pages.

People with thymoma or thymic carcinoma may experience the following symptoms or signs. Symptoms are changes that you can feel in your body. Signs are changes in something measured, like by taking your blood pressure or doing a lab test. Together, symptoms and signs can help describe a medical problem. Sometimes, people with thymoma or thymic carcinoma do not have any of the symptoms and signs described below. Or, the cause of a symptom or sign may be a medical condition that is not cancer.

  • Persistent cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Pain or pressure in the chest

  • Muscle weakness

  • Drooping eyelids

  • Double vision

  • Arm or facial swelling

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Anemia, which is a low red blood cell count

  • Frequent infections

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor may ask how long and how often you have been experiencing the symptom(s), in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the reason for the symptoms, called a diagnosis.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. Managing symptoms may also be called "palliative care" or "supportive care." Be sure to talk with your health care team about the symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.

The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Diagnosis

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find a list of common tests, procedures, and scans that doctors use to find the cause of a medical problem. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors use many tests to find, or diagnose, cancer. They also do tests to learn if cancer has spread to another part of the body from where it started. If the cancer has spread, it is called metastasis. Doctors may also do tests to learn which treatments could work best.

For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only sure way for the doctor to know if an area of the body has cancer. In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis.

How thymoma and thymic carcinoma are diagnosed

There are many tests used for diagnosing thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Not all tests described here will be used for every person. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:

  • The type of cancer suspected

  • Your signs and symptoms

  • Your age and general health

  • The results of earlier medical tests

In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose thymoma or thymic carcinoma:

  • Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows any abnormalities or tumors. A CT scan can be used to measure the tumor’s size. A CT scan of the chest is the most common test used to look for and evaluate a thymic tumor. Sometimes, a special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to provide better detail on the image. This dye can be injected into a person’s vein. An MRI and PET may provide more information but are not always needed (see below).

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. MRI can be used to measure the tumor’s size. A special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to create a clearer picture. This dye can be injected into a person’s vein.

  • Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT scan. A PET scan is usually combined with a CT scan (see above), called a PET-CT scan. However, you may hear your doctor refer to this procedure just as a PET scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive sugar substance is injected into the person’s body. This sugar substance is taken up by cells that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. However, the amount of radiation in the substance is too low to be harmful. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body.

  • Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. A pathologist then analyzes the sample(s). A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. A biopsy is not usually the first test done for a thymic tumor. Usually a person will first have imaging tests (see above), such as a CT, MRI, or PET scan.

    The type of biopsy performed will depend on the location of the area of concern. A needle biopsy is the use of a thin needle that is inserted into the tumor to remove a piece of tissue. Depending on the location of the tumor, surgery may be needed to get enough tissue to make a diagnosis. This surgery is usually not very invasive.

After diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review the results with you. If the diagnosis is cancer, these results also help the doctor describe the cancer. This is called staging.

The next section in this guide is Stages. It explains the system doctors use to describe the extent of the disease. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Stages and Classification

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about how doctors describe a cancer’s growth or spread. This is called the stage. Classification is also important in describing these diseases. Use the menu to see other pages.

What is cancer staging?

Staging is a way of describing where the cancer is located, if or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting other parts of the body. Doctors use diagnostic tests to find out the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all the tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor recommend the best kind of treatment, and can help predict a person’s prognosis, which is the chance of recovery. There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancers.

This page provides detailed information about the system used to find the stage of thymoma and thymic carcinoma and the classifications for thymic tumors.

TNM staging system

One tool that doctors use to describe the stage is the TNM system. Doctors use the results from diagnostic tests and scans to answer these questions:

  • Tumor (T): How large is the primary tumor? Where is it located?

  • Node (N): Has the tumor spread to the lymph nodes? If so, where and how many?

  • Metastasis (M): Has the cancer spread to other parts of the body? If so, where and how much?

The results are combined to determine the stage of cancer for each person.

There are 5 stages: stage 0 (zero) and stages I through IV (1 through 4). The stage provides a common way of describing the cancer, so doctors can work together to plan the best treatments.

Here are more details on each part of the TNM system for thymic tumors:

Tumor (T)

Using the TNM system, the "T" plus a letter or number (0 to 4) is used to describe the size and location of the tumor. Tumor size is measured in centimeters (cm). A centimeter is roughly equal to the width of a standard pen or pencil.

Stage may also be divided into smaller groups that help describe the tumor in even more detail. Specific tumor stage information is listed below.

TX: The primary tumor cannot be evaluated.

T0 (T zero): No evidence of a primary tumor.

T1: The tumor is located only in the thymus or has grown into the nearby fatty tissues.

  • T1a: The tumor has spread into fat surrounding the thymus or

  • T1b: The tumor has grown into the lining of the lung next to the tumor (called mediastinal pleura).

T2: The tumor has grown into the nearby fatty tissue and into the sac around the heart, called pericardium.

T3: The tumor has spread to nearby tissues or organs, including the lungs, the blood vessels carrying blood into or out of the lungs, or the phrenic nerve, which controls breathing.

T4: The tumor has spread to nearby tissues or organs, including the windpipe, esophagus, or the blood vessels pumping blood away from the heart.

Node (N)

The “N” in the TNM staging system stands for lymph nodes. These small, bean-shaped organs help fight infection. Lymph nodes near where the cancer started are called regional lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in other parts of the body are called distant lymph nodes.

NX: The regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluated.

N0: The tumor has not spread into lymph nodes

N1: The tumor may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

N2: The tumor has spread to lymph nodes deep in the chest cavity or neck.

Metastasis (M)

The “M” in the TNM system describes whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, called metastasis.

M0 (M zero): The disease has not metastasized.

M1: The tumor has spread to other organs near the thymus, such as the lung and blood vessels.

  • M1a: The tumor has spread to the lining of the lung, called the pleura, or lining of the heart, called the pericardium

  • M1b: The tumor may have spread to the lining of the lung or the heart.

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WHO classification

In addition to stage, thymic tumors can be classified into different categories developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). These categories are based on what the tumor cells look like under a microscope:

Thymoma. There are several classifications to describe thymomas:

  • Type A thymoma. This is also called spindle cell thymoma or medullary thymoma. The chance of recovery for people with type A thymoma is good. Nearly 100% of people with this type live at least 15 years after diagnosis.

  • Type AB thymoma. Also called mixed thymoma, type AB thymoma is similar to type A thymoma. However, type AB thymoma has lymphocytes in the tumor. The chance of recovery for people with type AB thymoma is also good. About 90% of people with this type live at least 15 years after diagnosis.

  • Type B1 thymoma. This is also known as lymphocyte-rich thymoma, lymphocytic thymoma, predominantly cortical thymoma, and organoid thymoma. This type of thymoma has many lymphocytes in the tumor, but the cells of the thymus appear healthy. The chance of recovery for people with type B1 thymoma is also good. About 90% of people with this type live at least 20 years after diagnosis.

  • Type B2 thymoma. Type B2 thymoma is also known as cortical thymoma and polygonal cell thymoma. This type of thymoma also has many lymphocytes, like type B1 thymoma. However, the thymus cells do not appear healthy. About 60% of people with this type live at least 20 years after diagnosis.

  • Type B3 thymoma. Type B3 thymoma is also known as epithelial thymoma, atypical thymoma, squamoid thymoma, and well-differentiated thymic carcinoma. This type of thymoma has few lymphocytes, and the thymus cells look abnormal. Approximately 40% of people with this type live at least 20 years after diagnosis.

Thymic carcinoma. Thymic carcinoma is more aggressive. Thymic carcinoma cells do not look like healthy thymus cells. Instead, the cells look like cancers that start in other parts of the body. This type of tumor is often advanced when diagnosed. About 35% of people with thymic carcinoma live at least 5 years after diagnosis. Around 28% of people with thymic carcinoma live at least 10 years.

Thymic neuroendocrine tumors (TNETs). This is a rare, aggressive type of cancer found in the thymus (see Introduction). You can learn more about neuroendocrine tumors in another section of this website. TNETs may be associated with other conditions that affect the endocrine system, like Cushing's syndrome and MEN1 syndrome. Because these types of tumors are rare, there is not enough data to estimate general survival rates. However, current research indicates that these tumors can be treated like similar NETs in other parts of the body. There are several types of thymic neuroendocrine tumors:

  • Typical carcinoid tumors (TC). These are considered low-grade and about 20% of all TNETs are considered typical.

  • Atypical carcinoid tumors (AC). These are considered intermediate-grade. About 40 to 50% of all TNETs are considered atypical. The difference between TC and AC is the presence of dead cells in the tumor, which is called necrosis.

  • Large cell neuroendocrine tumors (LCNEC). These are considered high-grade and 15 to 25% of all TNETs are LCNEC tumors. These tumor cells grow quickly and about 75% of the tumors spread to other parts of the body.

  • Small cell carcinoma tumors (SCC). These are considered high-grade and the cells in SCC tumors look like small cell tumors in other parts of the body. About 10% of TNETs are SCC tumors and most are diagnosed after the tumor has already spread to other parts of the body.

It is important to remember that statistics on how many people are diagnosed with thymoma and thymic carcinoma are an estimate. The estimate comes from data based on people with this cancer in the United States each year. So, your own risk may be different. Doctors cannot say for sure how long anyone will live with thymoma or thymic carcinoma. Learn more about understanding statistics.

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Sources: TNM system information used with permission of the American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois. The original and primary source for this information is the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Eighth Edition (2017), published by Springer International Publishing. WHO classification information source is the National Cancer Institute.

Information about the cancer’s stage and classification will help the doctor recommend a specific treatment plan. The next section in this guide is Types of Treatment. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Types of Treatment

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about the different treatments doctors use for people with thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Use the menu to see other pages.

This section explains the types of treatments, also known as therapies, that are the standard of care for thymoma and thymic carcinoma. “Standard of care” means the best treatments known. When making treatment plan decisions, you are encouraged to discuss with your doctor whether clinical trials are an option. A clinical trial is a research study that tests a new approach to treatment. Doctors learn through clinical trials whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the standard treatment. Clinical trials can test a new drug, a new combination of standard treatments, or new doses of standard drugs or other treatments. Clinical trials are an option for all stages of cancer. Your doctor can help you consider all your treatment options. Learn more about clinical trials in the About Clinical Trials and Latest Research sections of this guide.

How thymoma and thymic carcinoma are treated

In cancer care, different types of doctors often work together to create a person’s overall treatment plan that combines different types of treatments. This is called a multidisciplinary team. Cancer care teams include a variety of other health care professionals, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, and others.

The common types of treatments used for thymoma and thymic carcinoma are described below. Your care plan also includes treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care.

Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the classification and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the person’s preferences and overall health. Take time to learn about all of your treatment options and be sure to ask questions about things that are unclear. Talk with your health care team about the goals of each treatment and what you can expect while receiving the treatment. These types of talks are called “shared decision-making.” Shared decision-making is when you and your doctors work together to choose treatments that fit the goals of your care. Shared decision-making is particularly important for thymoma and thymic carcinoma because there are different treatment options. Learn more about making treatment decisions.

The common types of treatments used for thymoma and thymic carcinoma are described below. Your care plan also includes treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care.

Surgery

Surgery is the removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue during an operation. For thymic tumors, surgery is usually done by a thoracic surgeon, a doctor who specializes in surgery of the chest.

Surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage thymoma. For early-stage thymoma, it is also often the only treatment needed. The most common type of surgery for thymoma is called a median sternotomy. During a median sternotomy, the breastbone is split, and the thymoma and the tissue surrounding the tumor are removed. Sometimes, for smaller, early-stage tumors, a less invasive type of surgery using smaller incisions and a laparoscope may be an option. A laparoscope is a thin, lighted tube with a small camera on the end. With some laparoscopes, the surgeon can work with small instruments through the tube.

Later-stage disease treatment options may include surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible when the entire tumor cannot be removed with surgery. This is called debulking surgery and may provide some relief of symptoms. If the cancer has spread to the lining of the lung, surgery may also include the removal of the lung lining or a portion of the lung.

Talk with your surgeon beforehand about possible side effects, which are based on the extent of surgery. You should also ask what you can expect during recovery from surgery. Learn more about the basics of cancer surgery.

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Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. A radiation therapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period.

External-beam radiation therapy can be used as the only treatment after surgery. Or, it may be combined with chemotherapy. For people with later-stage disease, radiation therapy is often recommended after the tumor has been surgically removed.

Side effects from radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, difficulty swallowing, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished.

Learn more about the basics of radiation therapy.

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Therapies using medication

The treatment plan may include medications to destroy cancer cells. Medication may be given through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. When a drug is given this way, it is called systemic therapy. Medication may also be given locally, which is when the medication is applied directly to the cancer or kept in a single part of the body.

This treatment is generally prescribed by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication.

Medications are often given through an intravenous (IV) tube placed into a vein using a needle or in a pill or capsule that is swallowed (orally). If you are given oral medication, be sure to ask your health care team about how to safely store and handle them.

The types of medications used for thymoma and thymic carcinoma include:

  • Chemotherapy

  • Targeted therapy

  • Immunotherapy

Each of these types of therapies is discussed below in more detail. A person may receive 1 type of medication at a time or a combination of medications given at the same time. They can also be given as part of a treatment plan that includes surgery and/or radiation therapy.

The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements. Herbs, supplements, and other drugs can interact with cancer medications, causing unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by keeping the cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells.

A chemotherapy regimen, schedule, usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period. A person may receive 1 drug at a time or a combination of different drugs at the same time. Common drugs for thymoma or thymic carcinoma include:

  • Fluorouracil (Adrucil)

  • Carboplatin (Paraplatin)

  • Capecitabine (Xeloda)

  • Cisplatin (Platinol)

  • Cyclophosphamide (Neosar)

  • Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

  • Etoposide (Toposar, VePesid)

  • Gemcitabine (Gemzar)

  • Ifosfamide (Ifex)

  • Paclitaxel (Taxol)

  • Pemetrexed (Alimta)

The common drug combinations for thymoma or thymic carcinoma include:

  • Carboplatin and paclitaxel

  • Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin

  • Etoposide and cisplatin

These chemotherapy combinations are sometimes used to shrink the tumor before surgery if the thymic tumor is found at a later stage. Chemotherapy may also be used for people who have a stage IVB/advanced thymic tumor or a recurrent thymic tumor that cannot be completely removed with surgery. A recurrent thymic tumor is a tumor that has come back after treatment (see more information in a section below).

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual, the type of drug, and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away after treatment is finished.

Learn more about the basics of chemotherapy.

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Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and limits damage to healthy cells.

Not all tumors have the same targets. To find the most effective treatment, your doctor may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor. This helps doctors better match each person with the most effective treatment whenever possible. In addition, research studies continue to find out more about specific molecular targets and new treatments directed at them. Learn more about the basics of targeted treatments.

For thymic tumors, targeted therapies against cell signaling enzymes, hormone receptors, or angiogenesis may be an option. Targeted therapies used for thymic tumors include:

  • Everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress)

  • Lenvatinib (Lenvima)

  • Octreotide (Sandostatin)

  • Sunitinib (Sutent)

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Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body's natural defenses to fight cancer by improving your immune system's ability to attack cancer cells. When thymic carcinoma does not respond to chemotherapy, immunotherapy may be a possible treatment option. This is called chemotherapy-refractory thymic carcinoma. See this guide's Latest Research section for more information.

It is important to talk with the doctor about this treatment's possible side effects. Different types of immunotherapy can cause different side effects. Common side effects include skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and weight changes. Ask your doctor about possible side effects for the immunotherapy recommended for you. Learn more about the basics of immunotherapy.

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Physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer

Cancer and its treatment cause physical symptoms and side effects, as well as emotional, social, and financial effects. Managing all of these effects is called palliative care or supportive care. It is an important part of your care that is included along with treatments intended to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer.

Palliative care focuses on improving how you feel during treatment by managing symptoms and supporting patients and their families with other, non-medical needs. Any person, regardless of age or type and stage of cancer, may receive this type of care. And it often works best when it is started right after a cancer diagnosis. People who receive palliative care along with treatment for the cancer often have less severe symptoms, better quality of life, and report that they are more satisfied with treatment.

Palliative treatments vary widely and often include medication, nutritional changes, relaxation techniques, emotional and spiritual support, and other therapies. You may also receive palliative treatments similar to those meant to get rid of the cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.

Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment in the recommended treatment plan. You should also talk about the possible side effects of the specific treatment plan and palliative care options. Many patients also benefit from talking with a social worker and participating in support groups. Ask your doctor about these resources, too.

During treatment, your health care team may ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and side effects and to describe each problem. Be sure to tell the health care team if you are experiencing a problem. This helps the health care team treat any symptoms and side effects as quickly as possible. It can also help prevent more serious problems in the future.

Learn more about the importance of tracking side effects in another part of this guide. Learn more about palliative care in a separate section of this website.

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Metastatic thymoma and thymic carcinoma

If cancer spreads to another part in the body from where it started, doctors call it metastatic cancer. If this happens, it is a good idea to talk with doctors who have experience in treating it. Doctors can have different opinions about the best standard treatment plan. Clinical trials might also be an option. Learn more about getting a second opinion before starting treatment, so you are comfortable with your chosen treatment plan.

Your treatment plan may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and therapies using medication. When a thymic tumor has spread to another location in the body, it is unlikely that any of the treatments will make the cancer go away permanently. Sometimes, when thymic tumors are growing very slowly, your health care team may recommend no treatment for a period of time. You will be closely monitored during this time. Palliative care will also be important to help relieve symptoms and side effects.

For most people, a diagnosis of metastatic cancer is very stressful and difficult. You and your family are encouraged to talk about how you feel with doctors, nurses, social workers, or other members of your health care team. It may also be helpful to talk with other people with the same disease, such as through a support group or other peer support program.

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Remission and the chance of recurrence

A remission is when cancer cannot be detected in the body and there are no symptoms. This may also be called having “no evidence of disease” or NED.

A remission may be temporary or permanent. This uncertainty causes many people to worry that the cancer will come back. While many remissions are permanent, it is important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of the cancer returning. Understanding your risk of recurrence and the treatment options may help you feel more prepared if the cancer does return. Learn more about coping with the fear of recurrence.

If the cancer returns after the original treatment, it is called recurrent cancer. It may come back in the same place (called a local recurrence), nearby (regional recurrence), or in another place (distant recurrence).

If a recurrence happens, a new cycle of testing will begin again to learn as much as possible about it. After this testing is done, you and your doctor will talk about the treatment options. Often the treatment plan will include the treatments described above such as surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy, but they may be used in a different combination or given at a different pace. Your doctor may also suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat recurrent thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Whichever treatment plan you choose, palliative care will be important for relieving symptoms and side effects.

People with recurrent cancer sometimes experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. You are encouraged to talk with your health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help you cope. Learn more about dealing with cancer recurrence.

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If treatment does not work

Recovery from cancer is not always possible. If the cancer cannot be cured or controlled, the disease may be called advanced or terminal.

This diagnosis is stressful, and for some people, advanced cancer is difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team has special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families and is there to help. Making sure a person is physically comfortable, free from pain, and emotionally supported is extremely important.

People who have advanced cancer and who are expected to live less than 6 months may want to consider hospice care. Hospice care is designed to provide the best possible quality of life for people who are near the end of life. You and your family are encouraged to talk with the health care team about hospice care options, which include hospice care at home, a special hospice center, or other health care locations. Nursing care and special equipment can make staying at home a workable option for many families. Learn more about advanced cancer care planning.

After the death of a loved one, many people need support to help them cope with the loss. Learn more about grief and loss.

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The next section in this guide is About Clinical Trials. It offers more information about research studies that are focused on finding better ways to care for people with cancer. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - About Clinical Trials

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn more about clinical trials, which are the main way that new medical approaches are studied to see how well they work. Use the menu to see other pages.

What are clinical trials?

Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to care for people with thymic tumors. To make scientific advances, doctors create research studies involving volunteers called clinical trials. Every drug that is now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was tested in clinical trials.

Many clinical trials focus on new treatments. Researchers want to learn if a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the treatment doctors use now. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of existing treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment. People who participate in clinical trials can be some of the first to get a treatment before it is available to the public. However, there are some risks with a clinical trial, including possible side effects and that the new treatment may not work. People are encouraged to talk with their health care team about the pros and cons of joining a specific study.

Some clinical trials study new ways to relieve symptoms and side effects during treatment. Others study ways to manage the late effects that may happen a long time after treatment. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials for symptoms and side effects. There are also clinical trials studying ways to prevent cancer.

Deciding to join a clinical trial

People decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Others volunteer for clinical trials because they know that these studies are only a way to contribute to the progress in treating thymic tumors. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future people with thymic tumors.

Insurance coverage of clinical trial costs differs by location and by study. In some programs, some of the expenses from participating in the clinical trial are reimbursed. In others, they are not. It is important to talk with the research team and your insurance company first to learn if and how your treatment in a clinical trial will be covered. Learn more about health insurance coverage of clinical trials.

Sometimes people have concerns that, in a clinical trial, they may receive no treatment by being given a placebo or a “sugar pill.” Placebos are usually combined with standard treatment in most cancer clinical trials. Study participants will always be told when a placebo is used in a study. Find out more about placebos in cancer clinical trials.

Patient safety and informed consent

To join a clinical trial, people must participate in a process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should:

  • Describe all of the treatment options so that the person understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment.

  • List all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different from the risks of standard treatment.

  • Explain what will be required of each person to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment.

  • Describe the purposes of the clinical trial and what researchers are trying to learn.

Clinical trials also have certain rules called “eligibility criteria” that help structure the research and keep people safe. You and the research team will carefully review these criteria together. You will need to meet all of the eligibility criteria in order to participate in a clinical trial. Learn more about eligibility criteria in clinical trials.

People who participate in a clinical trial may stop participating at any time for any personal or medical reason. This may include that the new treatment is not working or there are serious side effects. Clinical trials are also closely monitored by experts who watch for any problems with each study. It is important that people participating in a clinical trial talk with their doctor and researchers about who will be providing their treatment and care during the clinical trial, after the clinical trial ends, and/or if they choose to leave the clinical trial before it ends.

Finding a clinical trial

Research through clinical trials is ongoing for all types of cancer. For specific topics being studied for thymic tumors, learn more in the Latest Research section.

Cancer.Net offers more information about cancer clinical trials in other areas of the website, including a complete section on clinical trials and places to search for clinical trials for a specific type of cancer.

PRE-ACT, Preparatory Education About Clinical Trials

In addition, this website offers free access to a video-based educational program about cancer clinical trials, located outside of this guide.

The next section in this guide is Latest Research. It explains areas of scientific research currently going on for thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about thymoma and thymic carcinoma and how to treat them. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about thymic tumors, ways to prevent them, how to best treat them, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The following areas of research may include new options for people with a thymic tumor through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • Different combinations of treatments. For people with advanced thymoma or thymic carcinoma that has not been previously treated, researchers are looking at combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy or chemotherapy with targeted therapy before surgery. The goal is to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and make surgery possible for more people with advanced thymoma.

  • International collaboration. Rare diseases like thymic tumors are a challenge for researchers because of the small number of people who have the disease. Because of this, doctors and researchers around the world are working together to study thymic tumors, collect information, and design clinical trials through the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group. Please note this link takes you to a separate website.

  • Myasthenia gravis research. Studies are underway to learn more about this condition (see Introduction), its link with thymic tumors, and ways to treat it.

  • Palliative care/supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current thymic tumor treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like more information about the latest areas of research in thymoma and thymic carcinoma, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance in how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that cancer and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Coping with Treatment

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn more about coping with the physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer and its treatment. Use the menu to see other pages.

Every cancer treatment can cause side effects or changes to your body and how you feel. For many reasons, people do not experience the same side effects even when they are given the same treatment for the same type of cancer. This can make it hard to predict how you will feel during treatment.

As you prepare to start cancer treatment, it is normal to fear treatment-related side effects. It may help to know that your health care team will work to prevent and relieve side effects. This part of cancer treatment is called palliative care or supportive care. It is an important part of your treatment plan, regardless of your age or the stage of disease.

Coping with physical side effects

Common physical side effects from each treatment option for thymoma and thymic carcinoma are described within the Types of Treatment section. Learn more about side effects of cancer and its treatment, along with ways to prevent or control them. Changes to your physical health depend on several factors, including the cancer’s stage, the length and dose of treatment, and your general health.

Talk with your health care team regularly about how you are feeling. It is important to let them know about any new side effects or changes in existing side effects. If they know how you are feeling, they can find ways to relieve or manage your side effects to help you feel more comfortable and potentially keep any side effects from worsening.

You may find it helpful to keep track of your side effects so it is easier to talk about any changes with your health care team. Learn more about why tracking side effects is helpful.

Sometimes, side effects can last after treatment ends. Doctors call these long-term side effects. Side effects that occur months or years after treatment are called late effects. Treating long-term side effects and late effects is an important part of survivorship care. Learn more by reading the Follow-up Care section of this guide or talking with your doctor.

Coping with emotional and social effects

You can have emotional and social effects after a cancer diagnosis. This may include dealing with a variety of emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, anger, or managing your stress level. Sometimes, people find it difficult to express how they feel to their loved ones. Some have found that talking to an oncology social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can help them develop more effective ways of coping and talking about cancer.

You can also find coping strategies for emotional and social effects in a separate section of this website. This section includes many resources for finding support and information to meet your needs.

Coping with the costs of cancer care

Cancer treatment can be expensive. It is may be a source of stress and anxiety for people with cancer and their families. In addition to treatment costs, many people find they have extra, unplanned expenses related to their care. For some people, the high cost of medical care stops them from following or completing their cancer treatment plan. This can put their health at risk and may lead to higher costs in the future. People with a thymic tumor and their families are encouraged to talk about financial concerns with a member of their health care team. Learn more about managing financial considerations, in a separate part of this website.

Coping with barriers to care

Some groups of people experience different rates of new cancer cases and experience different outcomes from their cancer diagnosis. These differences are called "cancer disparities." Disparities are caused in part by real-world barriers to quality medical care and social determinants of health, such as where a person lives and whether they have access to food and health care. Cancer disparities more often negatively affect racial and ethnic minorities, people with fewer financial resources, sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ+), adolescent and young adult populations, older adults, and people who live in rural areas or other underserved communities.

If you are having difficulty getting the care you need, talk with a member of your health care team or explore other resources that help support medically underserved people.

Talking with your health care team about side effects

Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor about possible side effects. Ask:

  • Which side effects are most likely?

  • When are they likely to happen?

  • What can we do to prevent or relieve them?

  • When and who should we call about side effects?

Be sure to tell your health care team about any side effects that happen during treatment and afterward, too. Tell them even if you do not think the side effects are serious. This discussion should include physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer.

Caring for a loved one with cancer

Family members and friends often play an important role in taking care of a person with a thymic tumor. This is called being a caregiver. Caregivers can provide physical, practical, and emotional support to the person with a thymic tumor, even if they live far away. Being a caregiver can also be stressful and emotionally challenging. one of the most important tasks for caregivers is caring for themselves.

Caregivers may have a range of responsibilities on a daily or as-needed basis, including:

  • Providing support and encouragement

  • Talking with the health care team

  • Giving medications

  • Helping manage symptoms and side effects

  • Coordinating medical appointments

  • Providing a ride to and from appointments

  • Assisting with meals

  • Helping with household chores

  • Handling insurance and billing issues

A caregiving plan can help caregivers stay organized and help identify opportunities to delegate tasks to others. It may be helpful to ask the health care team how much care will be needed at home and with daily tasks during and after treatment. Use this 1-page fact sheet to help make a caregiving action plan. This free fact sheet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

Learn more about caregiving or read the ASCO Answers Guide to Caring for a Loved One With Cancer in English or Spanish.

Looking for More on How to Track Side Effects?

Cancer.Net Mobile app symptom tracker

Cancer.Net offers several resources to help you keep track of your symptoms and side effects. Please note that these links will take you to other sections of Cancer.Net:

  • Cancer.Net Mobile: The free Cancer.Net mobile app allows you to securely record the time and severity of symptoms and side effects.

  • ASCO Answers Managing Pain: Get this 32-page booklet about the importance of pain relief that includes a pain tracking sheet to help patients record how pain affects them. The free booklet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

  • ASCO Answers Fact Sheets: Read 1-page fact sheets on anxiety and depression, constipation, diarrhea, rash, and immunotherapy side effects that provide a tracking sheet to record the timing and severity of the side effect. These free fact sheets are available as a PDF, so they are easy to print, fill out, and give to your health care team.

The next section in this guide is Follow-up Care. It explains the importance of check-ups after cancer treatment is finished. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Follow-Up Care

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about your medical care after cancer treatment is completed and why this follow-up care is important. Use the menu to see other pages.

The recovery from treatment for a thymic tumor can vary depending on the stage of the disease and the treatment used. In general, recovery is faster for people who received only surgery, compared with people who received a combination of treatments.

Care for people diagnosed with a thymic tumor does not end when active treatment has finished. Your health care team will continue to check that the cancer has not come back, manage any side effects, and monitor your overall health. This is called follow-up care.

Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both. Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead.

Follow-up care depends on the stage of the disease. Regular visits to the doctor and follow-up CT scans are often recommended, particularly for people diagnosed with a later-stage tumor. Follow-up physical examinations and regular CT scans may be part of lifetime care for some people.

Cancer rehabilitation may be recommended, and this could mean any of a wide range of services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, career counseling, pain management, nutritional planning, and/or emotional counseling. The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent as possible. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation.

Learn more about the importance of follow-up care.

Watching for recurrence

One goal of follow-up care is to check for a recurrence, which means that the cancer has come back. Cancer recurs because small areas of cancer cells may remain undetected in the body. Over time, these cells may increase in number until they show up on test results or cause signs or symptoms. During follow-up care, a doctor familiar with your medical history can give you personalized information about your risk of recurrence. Your doctor will ask specific questions about your health. Some people may have blood tests or imaging tests done as part of regular follow-up care, but testing recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer first diagnosed and the types of treatment given.

The anticipation before having a follow-up test or waiting for test results may add stress to you or a family member. This is sometimes called “scanxiety.” Learn more about how to cope with this type of stress.

Managing long-term and late side effects

Most people expect to have side effects when receiving treatment. However, it is often surprising to survivors that some side effects may linger beyond the treatment period. These are called long-term side effects. Other side effects called late effects may develop months or even years after treatment has ended. Long-term and late effects can include both physical and emotional changes.

There may be some risk for a second type of cancer particularly for people who received radiation therapy. In these situations, there is a small risk that a new type of cancer will develop many years later in the part of the body that received radiation therapy.

Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing such side effects based on your diagnosis, your individual treatment plan, and your overall health. If you had a treatment known to cause specific late effects, you may have certain physical examinations, scans, or blood tests to help find and manage them.

Keeping personal health records

You and your doctor should work together to develop a personalized follow-up care plan. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about your future physical or emotional health. ASCO offers forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan when treatment is completed.

This is also a good time to talk with your doctor about who will lead your follow-up care. Some survivors continue to see their oncologist, while others transition back to the care of their primary care doctor or another health care professional. This decision depends on several factors, including the type, stage, and classification of cancer, side effects, health insurance rules, and your personal preferences.

If a doctor who was not directly involved in your cancer care will lead your follow-up care, be sure to share your cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan forms with them and with all future health care providers. Details about your cancer treatment are very valuable to the health care professionals who will care for you throughout your lifetime.

The next section in this guide is Survivorship. It describes how to cope with challenges in everyday life after a cancer diagnosis. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Survivorship

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about how to cope with challenges in everyday life after a cancer diagnosis. Use the menu to see other pages.

What is survivorship?

The word “survivorship” is complicated because it means different things to different people. Common definitions include:

  • Having no signs of cancer after finishing treatment.

  • Living with, through, and beyond cancer. According to this definition, cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis and continues during treatment and through the rest of a person's life.

For some, even the term "survivorship" does not feel right, and they prefer to use different language to describe and define their experience. Sometimes extended treatment will be used for months or years to manage or control cancer. Living with cancer indefinitely is not easy, and the health care team can help you manage the challenges that come with it. Everyone has to find their own path to name and navigate the challenges that are the result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Survivors may experience a mixture of strong feelings, including joy, concern, relief, guilt, and fear. Some people say they appreciate life more after a cancer diagnosis and have gained a greater acceptance of themselves. Others become very anxious about their health and uncertain of about coping with everyday life. Feelings of fear and anxiety may still occur as time passes, but these emotions should not be a constant part of your daily life. If they persist, be sure to talk with a member of your health care team.

Survivors may feel some stress when their frequent visits to the health care team end after completing treatment. Often, relationships built with the cancer care team provide a sense of security during treatment, and people miss this source of support. This may be especially true when new worries and challenges surface over time, such as any late effects of treatment, emotional challenges including fear of recurrence, sexual health and fertility concerns, and financial and workplace issues.

Every survivor has individual concerns and challenges. With any challenge, a good first step is being able to recognize your fears and talk about them. Effective coping requires:

  • Understanding the challenge you are facing

  • Thinking through solutions

  • Asking for and allowing the support of others

  • Feeling comfortable with the course of action you choose

Many survivors find it helpful to join an in-person support group or an online community of survivors. This allows you to talk with people who have had similar first-hand experiences. Other options for finding support include talking with a friend or member of your health care team, individual counseling, or asking for assistance at the learning resource center of the place where you received treatment.

A new perspective on your health

For many people, survivorship serves as a strong motivator to make lifestyle changes.

People recovering from a thymic tumor are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as not smoking, limiting alcohol, eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Regular physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your health care team can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices.

It is important to have recommended medical checkups and tests (see Follow-up Care) to take care of your health.

Talk with your health care team to develop a survivorship care plan that is best for your needs.

Changing role of caregivers

Family members and friends may also go through periods of transition. A caregiver plays a very important role in supporting a person diagnosed with cancer, providing physical, emotional, and practical care on a daily or as-needed basis. Many caregivers become focused on providing this support, especially if the treatment period lasts for many months or longer.

However, as treatment is completed, the caregiver's role often changes. Eventually, the need for caregiving related to the cancer diagnosis will become much less or come to an end. Caregivers can learn more about adjusting to life after caregiving.

Looking for More Survivorship Resources?

For more information about cancer survivorship, explore these related items. Please note that these links will take you to other sections of Cancer.Net:

  • ASCO Answers Cancer Survivorship Guide: Get this 48-page booklet that helps people transition into life after treatment. It includes blank treatment summary and survivorship care plan forms. The free booklet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

  • Survivorship Resources: Cancer.Net offers information and resources to help survivors cope, including specific sections for children, teens and young adults, and people over age 65. There is also a main section on survivorship for people of all ages.

The next section offers Questions to Ask the Health Care Team to help start conversations with your cancer care team. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Questions to Ask the Health Care Team

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team, to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.

Cancer.Net Mobile app question tracker

Talking often with the health care team is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you. You may want to print this list and bring it to your next appointment, or download Cancer.Net’s free mobile app for a digital list and other interactive tools to manage your care. It may also be helpful to ask a family member of friend to come with you to appointments to help take notes.

Questions to ask after getting a diagnosis

  • What type of thymic tumor do I have?

  • What stage is the disease? What does this mean?

  • What is the classification of this tumor? What does this mean?

  • Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?

Questions to ask about choosing a treatment and managing side effects

  • What are my treatment options?

  • What clinical trials are available for me? Where are they located, and how do I find out more about them?

  • What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?

  • What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer, help me feel better, or both?

  • Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

  • Who will be leading my overall treatment?

  • What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?

  • How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

  • Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?

  • Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?

  • If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?

  • What support services are available to me? To my family?

  • If I have questions or problems, who should I call?

Questions to ask about having surgery

  • What type of surgery will I have?

  • How long will the operation take?

  • How long will I be in the hospital?

  • Can you describe what my recovery from surgery will be like?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term effects of having this surgery?

Questions to ask about having radiation therapy or therapies using medication

  • What type of treatment is recommended?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • How long will it take to give this treatment?

  • What side effects can I expect during treatment?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?

  • What can be done to prevent or relieve the side effects?

Questions to ask about planning follow-up care

  • What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?

  • What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the cancer treatment I received?

  • What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?

  • How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?

  • Who will be leading my follow-up care?

  • What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?

The next section in this guide is Additional Resources. It offers some more resources on this website that may be helpful to you. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma - Additional Resources

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some helpful links to other areas of Cancer.Net that provide information about cancer care and treatment. This is the final page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma. Use the menu to go back and see other pages.

Cancer.Net includes many other sections about the medical and emotional aspects of cancer, both for the person diagnosed and their family members and friends. This website is meant to be a resource for you and your loved ones from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond.

Here are a few links to help you explore other parts of Cancer.Net:

This is the end of the Cancer.Net’s Guide to Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.