Thymoma and Thymic Cancer Treatment
The experts at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University use the latest therapies available to treat this rare cancer.
Treating Your Thymic Cancer
Because of the rarity of thymic cancer — less than 1% of all cancers — some oncologists might see a case only once every few years. Not so at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Our multidisciplinary thoracic team is uniquely positioned as leading experts in chest tumors such as thymoma and thymic carcinoma, which translates to a depth of experience treating these rare cancers.
And because each type of thymic tumor requires its own treatment plan, having a highly specialized and knowledgeable team in your corner after diagnosis is important to getting the best outcome.
Thymic Cancer Treatment Options
Thymic tumors affect the thymic gland, which is in the upper chest near critical organs like the heart and lungs. At Winship, we use minimally invasive surgery and precisely targeted radiation therapy to ensure we treat the cancer while safeguarding the surrounding healthy tissues and organs.
Your care team includes multidisciplinary experts in the field: thoracic surgeons, pathologists experienced in thymoma and thymic carcinoma, radiologists, pulmonologists, and medical and radiation oncologists. They’ll review treatment options with you, give you time to consider all choices and support you through the process.
Surgery
Our thoracic surgeons (specialists in chest surgeries) use minimally invasive robotic technologies to remove thymic tumors. The goals with minimally invasive surgery are to decrease recovery time and lessen postoperative pain.
Proton Therapy
As the only proton therapy center in Georgia, Winship is one of the few places that can deliver this leading-edge, specialized form of radiation that’s more precise than conventional methods.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to better find and eradicate cancer cells. This might be an option for some patients with thymic carcinoma that isn’t responding to other treatments, but comes with a high risk of severe immune-related side effects and is not recommended for patients with thymoma.
Clinical Trials at Winship
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state, Winship is a leader in cancer treatment innovation, offering hundreds of clinical trials every year and setting the stage for groundbreaking thymic cancer research — plus patient access to life-saving therapies not available anywhere else. Talk to your care team today to see if a clinical trial is right for your diagnosis.
Thymic Cancer Treatment Support
Winship is here for you. We offer a full suite of programs, services and resources — as well as a compassionate team of social workers, counselors and nutritionists — designed to support you from diagnosis through treatment.