Thymus cancer
Structure of the thymus
The thymus is divided into 2 main parts – a right lobe and a left lobe. Each lobe is divided into smaller sections called lobules that give the thymus its bumpy appearance. Each lobule is made up of a centre part (called the medulla) and an outer layer (called the cortex). A thin covering (capsule) surrounds and protects the thymus.
The thymus is mainly made up of epithelial cells, immature and mature lymphocytes and fat tissue.
The thymus changes in size as you get older. It is large in newborns and toddlers. It is biggest during puberty then slowly begins to shrink as adulthood approaches.
The thymus is most active during childhood and youth. By late adulthood, most of the thymus is made up of fat tissue.
What the thymus does
The thymus makes T cells (T lymphocytes) that travel throughout the body to help fight infection, disease and foreign substances. The thymus also makes hormones to help T cells develop and keep the immune system working properly.
Lymphocytes travel from the bone marrow to the thymus, where they mature into T cells. Once T cells mature, they are able to leave the thymus and enter the blood so they can help the immune system. T cells also travel to lymph nodes and the spleen where they continue to mature.
What is thymus cancer?
The thymus
Cancerous tumours of the thymus
Classification of thymoma and thymic carcinoma
Risks for thymus cancer
Symptoms of thymus cancer
Diagnosis of thymus cancer
Stages of thymus cancer
If thymus cancer spreads
Prognosis and survival for thymus cancer
Treatments for thymus cancer
Supportive care for thymus cancer
Thymus gland cancer statistics
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