Question 1

what is recovery like after having a thymoma removed?

Accepted Answer

Depends on approach: Standard approach would be through a sternotomy (splitting the breast bone) which would typically require 4-6 weeks recovery. There are minimally invasive alternatives (thoracoscopy or robotic surgery) for selected patients with thymoma that usually have shorter recovery (2-3 weeks).

Question 2

i had a thymoma removed 25 days ago, is it normal to still have a lot of pain and pressure?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Recovery after thymoma differs depending on the type of surgery done to remove the thymus e.g. Sternotomy, cervical approach, minimally invasive (vats, or robotic). The pain may take weeks to months to get better. If your pain is not improving or if its getting worse you should contact your surgeon.  They can tell you exactly what to expect at your stage of recovery.

Question 3

i had a thymoma removed last year and i was told it was benign and was fully encapsulated. but now every little pain and throb in my chest makes me ne?

Accepted Answer

Should'nt: The benign tumor was excissed and that is the treatment of choice. Once removed, wounds heal in the normal fashion. Once wounds heal there is really nothing that can be life threatening related to the procedure or the wound.

Question 4

i had a thymoma removed via median sternotomy 4 months ago.  i am still having fairly moderate pain. is this normal? when can i go back to work?

Accepted Answer

Sternotomy: is surgical incision through bone, and bone can take a long time to heal.  But 4 months seems a bit too long.  You should consult with your surgeon, who might have a better idea about healing in your particular case.  Return to work depends a lot upon the nature of your work.

Question 5

do thymoma cause weight?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: To have any significant weight changes.

Question 6

what is an atypical thymoma?

Accepted Answer

Well....: I don't mean to shock you, but it is a type of cancer or pre-cancerous tumor. The thymus is a gland that sits on/near the heart. It is largest and probably most active during childhood, and shrinks as we age. It is involved in developing specialized cells of the immune system. A thymoma is uncontrolled growth of the cells of the gland. The specific type can result in many different outcomes and rx.

Question 7

what is affected by thymoma?

Accepted Answer

Thymus gland: Which is found behind your sternum (breastbone).

Question 8

how fast does a thymoma grow?

Accepted Answer

Generally slow: This link may provide more information.  If you have a thymoma, i encourage referral to qualified minimally invasive thoracic surgeon.  Thymoma can often be removed minimally invasively with robotic or vats approach. The following links may provide more information: http://goo.Gl/mqtn1 and this one: http://goo.Gl/oetwz and this one: http://goo.Gl/yjnh5.

Question 9

how do you diagnose a thymoma?

Accepted Answer

Scan and biopsy: A ct scan should show the swelling and a biopsy should confirm it.

Question 10

what are the tests for thymoma?

Accepted Answer

Lab, imaging and bio: Ct imaging can help the environment, both location and size. Blood tests are used to help clarify its presence, and look for associations with myasthenia gravis. Testing that can done and include test to see for associations to myasthenia gravis, that include antibodies to acetylcholine receptor, blood counts, chemical panels looking at liver and kidney, immune  evaluation of the cells inside.

What We Treat

Telehealth

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What is recovery like after having a thymoma removed

A member asked:

What is recovery like after having a thymoma removed?

A member asked:

I had a thymoma removed 25 days ago, is it normal to still have a lot of pain and pressure?

A member asked:

I had a thymoma removed last year and i was told it was benign and was fully encapsulated. but now every little pain and throb in my chest makes me ne?

A member asked:

I had a thymoma removed via median sternotomy 4 months ago. i am still having fairly moderate pain. is this normal? when can i go back to work?

A member asked:

Do thymoma cause weight?

A member asked:

What is an atypical thymoma?

A member asked:

What is affected by thymoma?

A member asked:

How fast does a thymoma grow?

A member asked:

How do you diagnose a thymoma?

A member asked:

What are the tests for thymoma?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

Patient Care

Partner With Us

HealthTap

Join Us

Get the HealthTap app

Questions?