Thymic Malignancies

Thymic malignancies refer to cancers that originate in the thymus, a small organ located in the upper chest, behind the sternum. The thymus plays a key role in the immune system, particularly in developing T-cells. Thymic malignancies typically include thymomas, which are tumors that can be benign or malignant, and thymic carcinomas, which are more aggressive. These cancers can cause symptoms like chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing, often requiring a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for treatment. Understanding these malignancies is important for effective management in thoracic oncology.