Thymus cancer: causes, symptoms and treatment

Definition of thymus cancer

What is thymus cancer?

Thymus cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the thymus. The thymus itself is a small organ located behind the sternum (sternum) called the mediastinum, which is the space in the chest between the lungs, heart, esophagus and windpipe.

The size of the thymus was originally about 28 grams. However, over time it will shrink because it is replaced by fat tissue. The function of the thymus is involved in the production and maturation of T lymphocytes (T cells), a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.

The thymus has an irregular shape and is surrounded by many small bumps on its surface called lobules. This organ consists of 3 main layers, namely the medulla (the inside of the thymus), the cortex (the layer that surrounds the medulla), and the capsule (the thin layer covering the outside of the thymus).

Cancer can attack the cells that make up the thymus, including:

• Epithelial cells, namely the main cells that give structure and shape to the thymus.
• Lymphocyte cells make up most of the rest of the thymus structure. Later, the cancer cells that develop will be referred to as Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Kulchitsky cells (neuroendocrine cells), which are cells that release certain hormones in the thymus. Cancer that attacks these cells will form a thymus carcinoid tumor.

How common is this disease?

Thymus cancer is a type of cancer that is very rare, when compared to breast cancer or lung cancer which commonly affects men and women.

Types of thymus cancer

Thymus cancer is divided into 2 types, including:

Thymoma

The most common type of cancer. Usually, cancer cells grow and attack quite slowly. People with autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis have a higher risk of developing this cancer than healthy people. Myasthenia gravis is a condition where the muscles are weakened due to a disturbance in the nerves.

Reporting from the page of the American Cancer Society, thymoma cancer is divided into several types, namely:

• Type A which attacks epithelial cells.
• Type A or mixed type, between type A which also attacks the lymphoid area.
• Type B1 attacks lymphocyte cells.
• Type B2 attacks lymphocytes and epithelial cells with an abnormal nucleus.

Thymus carcinoma

These tumors are also formed from epithelial cells in the thymus, but grow faster, so that when diagnosed generally have spread to other organs and surrounding tissues. This type of cancer is also known as type C thymoma and is quite dangerous.

Signs & symptoms of thymus cancer

Neither tomoma nor thymus carcinoma causes symptoms at an early stage. Usually, cancer is found after the sufferer undergoes a chest X-ray.

At an advanced stage, thymus cancer can cause symptoms, including:

• A cough that doesn't go away or a chronic cough
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.

When to go to the doctor

If you experience the signs of cancer mentioned above or are worried about other symptoms not mentioned above, see a doctor immediately.

Causes and risk factors for thymus cancer

The cause of thymus cancer is not known with certainty. However, scientists found that DNA changes (mutations) were more common in thymus cancer cells than in normal cells

DNA itself contains genes, namely a series of commands for cells to grow, die, and divide. When a mutation occurs, the orders in the DNA are messed up and cause the cell to act abnormally. This condition can cause cancer to form.

In addition to the unknown causes, there are several factors that can increase the risk of thymoma and thymus carcinoma, including:

• Increasing age. Various types of cancer have an increased risk with age, including this type of cancer.
• History of autoimmune diseases. Thymoma-type cancer is more common in people with autoimmune problems, such as myasthenia gravis, lupus, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's Syndrome.

Thymus cancer diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

A general physical exam will be done to see if you have any unusual signs on your chest, such as a lump. In addition, the doctor will also ask you to take a series of medical tests to confirm the diagnosis of tomoma and thymus carcinoma, including:

• X-ray of the chest.
• Imaging tests such as PET scans, CT scans, and MRIs.
• Biopsy.

Stage 1 cancer has not spread to other parts, while in stage 4, the cancer has spread to other organs such as the liver or kidneys. Treatment for this cancer depends on the stage of the disease as well as your overall physical condition.

What are the ways to treat thymus cancer?

Various treatments for thymus cancer sufferers that are usually carried out are:

Operation

Surgery is performed to remove cancer cells that have invaded the body. To remove the thymoma, the doctor will perform a median sternotomy. If the thymus is completely removed, the procedure is a thymectomy.

In a small thymoma, the doctor will perform a VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy).

Chemotherapy

Apart from surgery, chemotherapy is also possible. This treatment relies on drugs to kill cancer cells or shrink the size of the tumor.

Chemotherapy can be done simultaneously with surgery or radiotherapy, it can also be an option for patients who cannot undergo other treatments because the cancer has spread beyond the mediastinum. Some chemo drugs to treat this cancer are cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide.

Radiotherapy

The goal of radiotherapy treatment is the same as chemotherapy. However, this treatment relies on radiation energy to kill cancer cells or reduce tumor size.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is another treatment option for this type of cancer. Some hormones can cause the cancer to thrive and if the cancer is found to have hormone receptors, drugs can be given in that area to block the hormone from reaching the cancer cells.

Thymus cancer treatment at home

Apart from undergoing doctor's treatment, home care such as a healthy lifestyle that is suitable for cancer patients must also be applied. The goal is to increase the effectiveness of treatment, prevent cancer recurrence, and improve the quality of life for patients.

Lifestyle changes that are usually recommended for cancer patients include:

• Follow a cancer diet directed by your doctor or dietitian.
• Get active while still undergoing regular exercise.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Get enough sleep and can control stress.

Thymus cancer prevention

There is no known way to prevent thymus cancer. This condition is caused by an unknown cause.

Even so, patients with a high risk of developing this disease, namely those with autoimmune disorders, are advised to follow treatment regularly.