Thymoma
Summary of Thymoma
A thymoma is a tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the thymus that may be benign or malignant. A third of all people with a thymoma have symptoms caused by compression of the surrounding organs by an expansive mass. These problems may take the form of superior vena cava syndrome, dysphagia, cough, or chest pain. One-third of patients have their tumors discovered because they have an associated autoimmune disorder. Thymomas are frequently associated with the neuromuscular disorder myasthenia gravis. Additional associated autoimmune conditions include pure red cell aplasia and Good syndrome.