Thymoma
| Thymoma | |
|---|---|
| An encapsulated thymoma (mixed lymphocytic and epithelial type) | |
| Specialty | Oncology, cardiothoracic surgery |
| Usual onset | Adulthood |
| Treatment | surgical removal, chemotherapy (in malignant cases). |
A thymoma is a tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the thymus that is considered a rare neoplasm. Thymomas are frequently associated with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis; thymoma is found in 20% of patients with myasthenia gravis. Once diagnosed, thymomas may be removed surgically. In the rare case of a malignant tumor, radiation therapy may be used.