What is Mediastinal Thymic Carcinoma?
Mediastinal thymic carcinoma is a cancerous tumour that originates in the thymus gland, located in the mediastinum (the area between the lungs). There are two main types of thymic tumours:
- Thymoma: These tumours tend to grow slowly.
- Thymic Carcinoma: These tumours are more aggressive and can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.
The 5-year survival rate for patients with mediastinal thymic carcinoma is around 35%, and approximately 28% survive for at least 10 years.
Causes of Mediastinal Thymic Carcinoma
The exact cause of mediastinal thymic carcinoma is not well understood. However, certain hereditary and genetic conditions, such as Myasthenia Gravis and paraneoplastic syndromes, are believed to increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Signs and Symptoms
Patients with mediastinal thymic carcinoma may experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness or changes in the voice
- Swelling in the face, arms, neck, or upper body
Diagnosis
Several diagnostic techniques can be used to confirm mediastinal thymic carcinoma, including:
- Physical Examination: Doctors may look for any unusual lumps or masses in the neck and chest area.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasonography (USG), CT scans, MRI, and X-rays are used to determine the size, location, and extent of the tumour.
- CT Scan: This can also help check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken for lab testing to confirm the presence of cancer. This may involve cutting or removing a suspicious tissue sample.
- Tumour Markers and Sputum Cytology: Additional tests, including cytology, may be used to analyse the tumour cells.
- USG-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology: A needle is used to take a tissue sample under ultrasound guidance.
Treatment
The primary treatment for mediastinal thymic carcinoma is surgical removal of the tumour with clear margins, which means ensuring that no cancer cells are left at the edges of the removed tissue. Surgery is often followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Other treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage and spread of the disease.
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