Treatments for thymus cancer
If you have thymus cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for thymus cancer, your healthcare team will consider:
- type of thymus cancer
- stage
- your overall health
- what you prefer or want
Treatments for stage 1 thymus cancer
The following are treatment options for stage I thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for stage 2 thymus cancer
The following are treatment options for stage II thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for stage 3 thymus cancer
The following are treatment options for stage III thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with carcinoma.
Treatments for stage 4 thymus cancer
The following are treatment options for stage IV thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with carcinoma.
Treatments for recurrent thymus cancer
There are no standard treatments for recurrent thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer, where the cancer has recurred and treatments given before.
Surgery for thymus cancer
Surgery is the primary treatment for thymoma or thymic carcinoma. Surgery is used to potentially cure the cancer by completely removing the tumour.
Radiation therapy for thymus cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is usually used to treat thymus cancer.
Chemotherapy for thymus cancer
Chemotherapy may be used to treat thymoma or thymic carcinoma.
Follow-up after treatment for thymus cancer
Thymoma and thymic carcinoma behave differently in each person, and a standard follow-up schedule would not work for everyone. People with thymoma or thymic carcinoma should talk to their doctor about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation. Follow-up for thymus cancer is often shared among the cancer specialists and your family doctor.