Thymoma Prognosis

Thymomas are tumors of the thymus, located in the chest cavity just below the neck. The thymus creates white blood cells during childhood. These tumors rarely metastasize outside the chest cavity, according to LifeSteps.com.

Survival

• According to LifeSteps.com, 96 percent of patients with stage I thymomas have a five-year survival rate. This percentage goes down as the cancer progresses, with stage IV patients having a 50 percent five-year survival rate.

Diagnosis

• Routine blood tests may detect the presence of a thymoma. X-rays and MRIs may be used to confirm a tumor's existence.

Surgery

• Surgery may be performed to remove some or all of the tumor. Thymectomy, or removal of the thymus gland, may be necessary as well.

Radiation

• Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to remove a thymoma, according to LifeSteps.com. High-energy gamma rays and x-rays are used to kill cancer cells, lowering the chances of a tumor's recurrence.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used before thymoma surgery to shrink the tumor.