Unresectable Thymoma
Understanding Unresectable Thymoma: Causes, Treatments and Outlook
Thymoma is a rare cancer that develops in the thymus gland, a small ductless gland located just behind the breastbone. It is most commonly found in adults aged 40 to 60 and is less common among children. Thymomas are often benign, slow-growing tumors that may not cause any symptoms but can, in some cases, become malignant.
When a tumor is determined to be unresectable thymoma, it means that the tumor cannot or should not be removed surgically. Unresectable thymomas are usually larger or more complex than those that can be surgically removed. They often have spread to other areas and can cause life-threatening complications if not treated.
What Causes Unresectable Thymoma?
The cause of unresectable thymoma is not completely understood. It is believed that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors may all play a role. A family history of thymoma and other immunological diseases such as Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is believed to be an attributing factor.
What are the Symptoms of Unresectable Thymoma?
Given the location of the tumor, symptoms of unresectable thymoma can vary. They may include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Hoarseness (changes in the sound of voice)
- Weakness and fatigue
- Weight loss
- Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck
Treating Unresectable Thymoma
If it is determined that the tumor is indeed unresectable, the doctors will devise a treatment plan that may involve a combination of therapies. These can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The goal of treatment is to reduce the size of the tumor, shrink related lymph nodes, and helps to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Outlook and Prognosis
The outlook for unresectable thymoma depends on the individual’s age, overall health condition and how aggressively the disease has spread. It is important to remember that every individual is different and treatment plans should be tailored to each patient. With proper treatment, many individuals can achieve a good quality of life and can even go into remission or long periods of disease-free survival.