Thymoma and Thymic Cancer Outcomes

These are diseases that require deep knowledge and a wealth of experience understanding and treating chest tumors — which is why at Winship, patients are in the best place for the best outcome.

As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — the only center of its kind in Georgia and one of a select few in the United States — Winship offers a powerful combination of practitioner expertise rooted in the latest research. Here, patients receive innovative cancer treatments often unavailable anywhere else. At Winship Cancer Institute, patients benefit from: 

• A comprehensive, collaborative and patient-centered approach to care
• Comprehensive and accurate diagnostics
• Life-saving treatments
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Novel therapies
• Groundbreaking research
• Clinical trials
• Support from diagnosis to treatment and beyond

There are two types of thymic tumors — thymoma and thymic carcinoma — and the survival rate for each type varies by whether and how far the disease has spread when diagnosed. Thymoma, which is slower growing and more likely confined to the thymus gland, has a better survival rate than thymic carcinoma.

For some patients with thymic cancer, the tumor can be removed. For others, the cancer might never go away completely. But there’s hope: At Winship, we offer empathetic care, support and resources for patients living with thymic cancer.

Winship Cancer Institute meets the highest standards for cancer care and serves as a critical research and referral center for patients with thymic cancer. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, such as Winship. This is good news for better patient outcomes. Here, our expert teams:

• Advance critical research in chest tumors, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma.
• Use advanced imaging for accurate — and prompt — diagnoses.
• Develop a deep bench of leading thoracic surgeons who are adept at minimally invasive surgery for thymic tumors.
• Employ cutting-edge proton therapy for precise targeting of thymic tumors.
• Implement comprehensive treatment therapies using first-in-class technologies.
• Lead clinical trials.

We understand that living with cancer means more than just getting by — it means having a fulfilling and hopeful outlook on the future. Winship’s patient-centered approach to care features services and resources that work hand-in-hand with a patient’s medical needs — from management of symptoms to addressing short- and long-term effects of treatments. These services include:

• Pain management
• Support groups
• Psychiatric care
• Sexual and reproductive health management
• Social services
• Wellness care
• Nutritional services
• Rehabilitation therapy

That’s why our patients routinely rate Winship Cancer Institute among the highest for patient experience and satisfaction.