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To Surgery or Not To Surgery

butch
  • 1 reply
  • 44 subscribers
  • 86 views
I have been diagnosed with a low risk thymoma (anterior mediastinal mass). It measures 3.5x2cms. I have had two scans. The PET scan says there is no activity in the mass.
The surgeon has offered me surgery using robotics surgery but has also said that they are happy to monitor it via scans.
The risks of the surgery does worry me. I am unsure whether to have the surgery or to wait and see if the scan picks up any changes.
Is there anyone in a similar position. Just looking for some more information before making a final decision.

  • Hi Butch,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear of your Thymoma diagnosis which is a more common type of Thymus Cancer.

    Knowing the stage and grade of a cancer can sometimes help decide what might be the best treatment plan for you.

    Thymoma is sometimes referred to as Type A or Type B. Type A usually grow slowly whereas Type B can grow quicker.

    Making treatment decisions can be difficult and it is only natural that you seek further information before making any decision. But, at the end of the day, it has to be your decision.

    We recommend you have a further discussion with your consultant to address any questions or concerns you may have. This may also be an opportunity to explore if you have any other options.

    For some people that are not experiencing any symptoms, a period of surveillance is acceptable. And for other people, they just want it out of their system as soon as possible.

    The following link may be of use going forward and may be a good place to start to speak with people who have had to make similar choices.

    Thymic UK

    If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.

     

    Best wishes

    David,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/**

    DT/RH

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