Symptoms of Thymic Tumors

Symptoms vary depending on tumor size and location:

• Chest pain or discomfort behind the sternum

• Persistent cough

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance

• Muscle weakness (especially in myasthenia gravis)

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Swelling of the face, neck, or upper body

• Visible veins on the chest (superior vena cava syndrome)

⚠️ Important:
Small tumors are often discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions.

 

Diagnosis

 

How Is the Diagnosis Made?

Accurate diagnosis requires advanced imaging and evaluation:

• CT scan with contrast (most important test)

• MRI of the chest (in selected cases)

• PET scan or radioisotope imaging (for staging)

• Ultrasound of supraclavicular lymph nodes

• Blood tests and general health assessment

• ECG and preoperative evaluation

These tests help determine:

• Tumor size

• Invasion into nearby organs

• Lymph node involvement

• Surgical feasibility

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Treatment of Thymic Tumors

Treatment depends on:

• Tumor size

• Degree of invasion

• Presence of metastasis

• Patient’s overall condition

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Main Treatment Options:

1. Surgery (Primary Treatment)

The most effective treatment is complete surgical removal (thymectomy).

2. Additional Therapies (if needed)

• Radiotherapy

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted therapy

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VATS Thymectomy (Minimally Invasive Surgery)

What Is VATS?

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is a minimally invasive technique where the thymus is removed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments.

Advantages of VATS Thymectomy

• Smaller incisions

• Less pain

• Faster recovery

• Shorter hospital stay

• Better cosmetic results

• Faster return to daily activities

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When Is Open Surgery Needed?

In some cases, open surgery (sternotomy or thoracotomy) may be required:

• Large tumors

• Tumor invasion into major structures

• Advanced thymic carcinoma

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Recovery After Surgery

• Hospital stay: usually1 to 2  days after VATS

• Return to normal activity: 1–3 weeks (VATS)

• Full recovery depends on individual condition

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Surgical Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an acquired autoimmune disorder that occurs when communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted by antibodies targeting neuromuscular junction receptors. This leads to progressive weakness of skeletal muscles.

The condition primarily affects muscles responsible for:

• Eye and eyelid movement

• Facial expressions

• Speech

• Chewing

• Swallowing

Treatment Options

Treatment of myasthenia gravis typically includes:

• Medical therapy

• Immunosuppressive medications

These are prescribed and managed by a neurology specialist.

In addition, surgical removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy) is an important treatment option, performed by a thoracic surgeon.

Minimally Invasive Thymectomy

The surgery is performed using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic technique (VATS), without the need for opening the chest.

• No large incision

• Less pain

• Faster recovery

• Hospital stay: 24–48 hours only

Our Experience

Our surgical team, led by Dr. Mohammad Tarshihi, performs minimally invasive thymectomy for:

• Myasthenia gravis

• Thymic tumors

We are considered among the most experienced teams in the Arab world in thoracoscopic thymectomy, having started performing this advanced technique since 2007.

Who Is a Candidate for VATS Thymectomy?

We perform thymectomy using minimally invasive techniques in:

• Patients with enlarged thymus in myasthenia gravis

• Early-stage thymic tumors (Stage I and II)

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Recovery After Surgery

• Hospital stay: 24–48 hours

• Return home shortly after discharge

• Return to daily activities: within a few days

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Will There Be Pain After Surgery?

This is a common concern.

We use a special intraoperative nerve block technique (intercostal nerve block) to minimize pain after surgery.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort and recover comfortably.

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When Can I Return to Work?

Most patients can:

• Resume normal daily activities within a few days

• Return to work shortly after surgery

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Why Choose Dr. Mohammad Tarshihi?

• Consultant Thoracic Surgeon with extensive experience

• Advanced expertise in minimally invasive thoracic surgery (VATS)

• Personalized treatment planning

• Focus on safety, precision, and optimal outcomes

• more than 20 years of performing VATS Thymectomy, he is one of the most expert surgeons in VATS Thymectomy in the middle east and Arab world

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is thymectomy a major surgery?

Yes, but with VATS it becomes minimally invasive and significantly safer with faster recovery.

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Is VATS thymectomy safe?

Yes, it is considered a safe and standard approach when performed by an experienced thoracic surgeon.

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Will I need chemotherapy after surgery?

Not always. It depends on:

• Tumor type

• Stage

• Completeness of removal

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How long does the surgery take?

Typically 1–3 hours, depending on complexity.

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Can thymic tumors be cured?

Yes, especially when detected early and completely removed.

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Does thymectomy help myasthenia gravis?

Yes, many patients experience:

• Significant improvement

• Reduced medication need

• Better long-term control

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What are the risks of surgery?

• Bleeding -Rare

• Infection-Rare

• Lung complications

• Rare nerve injury

These risks are minimized with proper surgical expertise.

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Book Your Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with a thymic tumor or myasthenia gravis, early evaluation is essential.

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Dr. Mohammad Tarshihi
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon

📍 Al-Basma Medical Complex, Jabal Amman, Jordan
📞 +962779794141 / +962779277157
💬 WhatsApp available for direct booking 

Final Note

This page is for educational purposes. A personalized consultation is required to determine the best treatment plan.

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