Thymoma and thymic carcinoma

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form on the outside surface of the thymus. Thymoma is linked with myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune diseases. 

Signs and symptoms of thymoma and thymic carcinoma include a cough and chest pain. Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are usually diagnosed, staged, and treated during surgery. 

People with thymoma often have autoimmune diseases as well.  They include: 

• Myasthenia gravis.
• Acquired pure red cell aplasia.
• Hypogammaglobulinemia.
• Polymyositis.
• Lupus erythematosus.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Thyroiditis.
• Sjögren syndrome. 

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are usually diagnosed, staged, and treated during surgery.