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Thymoma and thymic carcinoma

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare tumours arising from cells of the thymus, an organ behind the breastbone. A thymoma often grows less aggressively, while thymic carcinoma more often invades surrounding tissues or spreads. Assessment and treatment belong with a specialist team.

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Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare tumours arising from cells of the thymus, an organ behind the breastbone. A thymoma often grows less aggressively, while thymic carcinoma more often invades surrounding tissues or spreads. Assessment and treatment belong with a specialist team.

  • No symptoms; the abnormality is sometimes found incidentally on a chest X-ray or CT scan.
  • Persistent cough, pressure or pain behind the breastbone, breathlessness or reduced exercise capacity.
  • Record new breathlessness, swallowing problems, double vision, muscle weakness, fever and swelling of the neck or face.
  • Take medicines exactly as prescribed and never stop medicines for myasthenia or cancer yourself.
  • Make an appointment promptly for persistent unexplained cough, chest pressure, hoarseness, swallowing problems or breathlessness.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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