Thymoma Screening and Diagnosis

Effective detection of this rare cancer.

Because thymoma is such a rare cancer, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cancer diagnoses, not every doctor is familiar with it. Our team of expert cancer specialists diagnoses thymoma and other uncommon cancers. Having a fast, accurate diagnosis is the first step in creating a personalized treatment plan for your condition.

How we diagnose thymoma

Your doctor may discover your thymoma by chance from an imaging test you receive because of another condition. We may also find your thymoma as a result of diagnosing you with certain autoimmune disorders that are associated with thymoma, such as:

• Hypogammaglobulinemia (a reduction in the antibodies that fight disease for your immune system)
• Myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness)
• Red-cell aplasia (a bone marrow disorder that results in the production of fewer red blood cells)

If we suspect that you have thymoma, you will need one or more imaging tests. These can let us determine whether you have thymoma and, if so, how advanced it is. Your doctor may order:

• Chest X-rays to take pictures of your bones and internal organs
• Computed tomography (CT) scans to measure the size of your tumor(s)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which use a small amount of radioactive material to highlight any cancer cells
• An octreotide scan, a test that shows cancer cells that come from the neuroendocrine system, including the thymus gland (where thymoma starts)

If we need more information to confirm that you have thymoma, your doctor may recommend surgery to get a better view of any tumors. We may be able to confirm your diagnosis and remove any cancerous tissue at the same time. Learn more about this surgical procedure.