Thymus cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the thymus gland located in the chest area. There are different types of thymus cancer, each with varying cure rates. Early detection and treatment increase chances of recovery, and surgical removal of the tumor is often required.
Thymus cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the thymus gland. This organ is located in the chest area which is between the lungs. This places the thymus above and in front of the heart. There are several forms of thymus cancer that can develop over time.
Also known as thymoma, thymic carcinoma is a form of cancer of the thymus that develops from the epithelial cells that give the thymus its distinctive shape. There are actually several classes of thymic carcinoma that can be present. Each varies in terms of healing rates and physical traits.
Type A thymic carcinoma is an example of a rather rare thymic cancer and is composed of epithelial cells that are similar in appearance to normal healthy cells. Fortunately, the cure rate of this type of cancer is extremely high, especially if caught in the early stages.
A type B1 thymoma has a higher concentration of lymphocytes in the tumor, but it is not as common as type AB. While containing more lymphocytes, this type of thymus cancer is easily diagnosed and has an excellent cure rate. Typically, nine out of ten patients diagnosed will survive.
With type B2 thymic carcinoma, there are large numbers of lymphocytes and epithelial cells that are larger than normal. Accounting for about thirty-five percent of all diagnosed cases of thymic cancer, the survival rate is not as high as with type B1. Six out of ten patients diagnosed with this type of thymic cancer can expect to survive.
When type B3 thymoma is present, the number of lymphocytes is extremely low and the epithelial cells appear almost normal. However, this form of thymus cancer offers one of the lowest cure rates of any type of thymoma. Only four out of ten patients can expect a complete recovery.
Without a doubt, a type C thymic carcinoma is the deadliest form of this type of cancer. The cells are so altered in shape and size that they no longer bear any resemblance to normal thymus cells. There’s a good chance that the cancer has already started spreading to surrounding organs, which only complicates the problem. The survival rate with this form of cancer is about one in four.
With all forms of thymus cancer, early detection and treatment greatly increase your chances of recovery. While radiation and chemotherapy may be used, surgical removal of the tumor is often required. Fortunately, modern methods of detection and treatment have greatly increased the chances of survival for these and all forms of cancer.
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