Living with Thymus cancer
A rare cancer of the thymus, a small organ in the upper chest, that may cause cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
Understanding Thymus cancer
The thymus helps the body make a type of white blood cell that protects against infection. Thymus cancer is more likely in people who have other conditions such as myasthenia gravis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors diagnose it with a physical exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy.
Signs & symptoms
Sometimes there are no symptoms. GARD lists these possible symptoms:
- A cough that doesn't go away
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a specific cause. It says thymus cancer is more likely in people who have conditions such as myasthenia gravis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Also known as: cancer of the thymus; cancer of thymus; malignant neoplasm of the thymus; malignant neoplasm of thymus; malignant neoplasm of thymus gland; malignant thymus neoplasm
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Thymus cancer.
Explore research for Thymus cancer
Explore actively recruiting Thymus cancer studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Thymus cancer with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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