Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Thymic Cancer

Definition

Thymic cancer is any one of several different types of tumors that have originated within the thymus gland.

Description

The thymus is located in the upper chest just below the neck. It is a small organ that produces certain white blood cells before birth and during childhood. These white blood cells are called lymphocytes and are an important part of the body's immune system. Once released from the thymus, lymphocytes travel to lymph nodes where they help to fight infections. The thymus gland becomes smaller in adulthood and is gradually taken over by fat tissue.

Three cell types of the thymus can give rise to cancer. The epithelial cells that make up the outer covering of the thymus...