As a clinical oncology specialist in the treatment of thymic tumours, I provide comprehensive care for patients with thymoma and thymic carcinoma at leading hospitals in London. With in-depth expertise in both standard treatments and innovative methods for thymoma, I collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that each of my patients receives optimal care.
The UK is recognised globally for excellence in thymoma care, with London hosting worldclass facilities and the latest treatment modalities for thymic epithelial malignancies. People travel from all over the world for cancer treatment at the London hospitals where I see my thymoma patients
Thymoma is a rare cancer that develops in the thymus gland, a small organ located in the upper chest behind the breastbone. The thymus gland plays a vital role in your immune system, especially during childhood development. As a rare tumour, it's important to seek specialised expertise for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Thymomas and thymic carcinomas require specialised care and dedicated follow-up due to their rarity, potential for recurrence, and associations with autoimmune conditions such as myasthenia gravis. As a specialist in thymic cancer, I take pride in providing not only my expertise but also access to the latest approaches in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of thymoma and related immunological concerns.
As a specialist in thymic malignancies, I bring extensive experience in managing these rare tumours. I employ a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with expert thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and associated specialists. I provide access to the latest treatment options and clinical trials, alongside personalised care plans tailored to your unique circumstances.
Early and accurate diagnosis paves the way for an effective treatment plan. Surgical removal remains the cornerstone of treatment, and complete excision of the tumour, including the entire thymus gland (thymectomy), provides the highest likelihood of a cure, especially in early-stage cases where, in many instances, surgery alone can suffice, with 5-year survival rates usually exceeding 80%.
Postoperative radiation therapy benefits many patients, particularly those with advanced or aggressive tumours, as it reduces recurrence risk. I use intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for precise targeting while minimising critical structure exposure and offer proton beam therapy (PBT) for thymoma patients, which lowers long-term side effects. These advanced techniques maximise tumour control and minimise side effects, enhancing not only your treatment outcomes but also your quality of life.
For advanced or recurrent thymus cancer, I may recommend newer treatment options, which could include targeted therapies aimed at particular molecular alterations in cancer cells, alongside immunotherapy that assists your immune system in identifying and combating cancer cells, as well as clinical trials investigating new opportunities for patients with thymic malignancies. As an expert in thymic malignancies, I keep up-todate with the latest research and can help you decide if joining a clinical trial would be a suitable addition to your treatment plan.
My practice combines medical expertise with a patient-centred approach, ensuring you receive not just the most advanced care but also support and guidance every step of the way on your treatment journey. I'm proud to say that many of my thymoma patients continue to lead full and active lives during and after their treatment. With the right care and long-term support, the outlook for thymoma is often more favourable than that for many other types of cancer.
My private practice is affiliated with a distinguished group of hospitals in London. The UK is recognised globally for its excellence in thymoma care, with London hosting world-class facilities and the latest treatment modalities for thymic epithelial malignancies. People travel from all over the globe for cancer treatment at the London hospitals where I see my thymoma patients. Should you require accommodation, I can assist in arranging a comfortable and convenient place for you to stay near my London practices.
Please do not feel constrained by the location of my practices in London; many of my patients live outside the capital and the UK. To accommodate those coming from afar, I offer initial video consultations to promptly develop personalised care and treatment plans that meet your needs and can be implemented quickly.
Our Reviews
What people are saying
“I had the privilege to have Dr Wilson as my consultant in treating my recent medical issue. His technical expertise is top class, but, of equal importance to me is that he has excellent communication skills, he is very easily approachable and sensitive to the patient‘s needs and makes complicated medical terms easily understood and followed by his patients. He has succeeded in having a very capable team as his assistants, which is also a significant virtue in a consultant ‘s role.”
Mrs YY
Your Thymoma and Thymic tumour treatment plan
Step 1
Fast Initial Consultation
Step 2
Test Results & Review
Step 3
Personalised Treatment Plan
Step 4
Targeted Cancer Treatment
Step 5
Follow-Up Care and Support
Frequently asked questions
What causes thymoma?
We don’t know the exact cause of thymoma. However, experts believe the reason is the abnormal growth of thymic cells in your thymus gland.
It’s also common to have an autoimmune condition alongside thymoma, such as myasthenia gravis (MG), a condition that causes widespread muscle weakness.
Genetic mutations in your DNA may play a role, too. The mutations may lead to changes in cell growth and cause abnormalities.
How is thymoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging studies, such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans. A biopsy of the tumour may also be necessary to determine if it is benign or malignant.
How can I prevent thymoma?
Since the cause of thymoma isn’t entirely known, there’s no obvious way to prevent it. However, leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking may reduce your risk of thymomas and cancer generally.
Is thymoma a type of cancer?
Yes, thymoma is considered a type of cancer that originates in the thymus gland. However, it differs from many other cancers in several important ways. Thymomas typically grow more slowly, are less likely to spread widely throughout the body, and generally have a better prognosis than many other malignancies. All thymomas have malignant potential, meaning they can invade surrounding structures and, in some cases, spread to distant sites. The WHO classification and staging system provide more accurate ways to describe the aggressiveness and extent of thymoma.
Does everybody with thymoma need radiotherapy?
No, not every patient with thymoma requires radiation therapy. The need for radiotherapy depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the completeness of surgical resection, and the histological subtype of the thymoma.
For completely resected stage I thymomas, radiotherapy is generally not recommended. For stage II thymomas, the decision depends on the tumour type and extent of invasion. For stage III and IVA thymomas, post-operative radiotherapy is typically recommended due to the higher risk of recurrence.
Each case should be discussed with a specialist to determine the optimal treatment approach based on individual characteristics and the latest evidence.
What is the relationship between thymoma and myasthenia gravis?
Thymoma and myasthenia gravis share a remarkable association, with approximately 30-40% of thymoma patients developing myasthenia gravis. Conversely, about 10-15% of patients with myasthenia gravis will have a thymoma.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness, particularly affecting the eyes, face, throat, and limbs. In thymoma patients, the abnormal thymic tissue may trigger the production of harmful autoantibodies.
For patients with both conditions, treating the thymoma is essential, but specific management of the myasthenia gravis (with medications such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants) is also necessary. Close collaboration between oncologists and neurologists ensures optimal care.
What are the different types of thymoma and how do they affect treatment?
Thymomas are classified according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) system into types A, AB, B1, B2, B3, and thymic carcinoma, based on the appearance of the cancer cells and the proportion of lymphocytes present.
Types A and AB are generally less aggressive, while types B1, B2, and B3 form a spectrum of increasingly aggressive behaviour. Thymic carcinoma is the most aggressive type with a higher likelihood of spread.
This classification influences treatment decisions, including:
Surgical approach and extent
Whether to recommend post-operative radiation therapy
Need for chemotherapy or other systemic treatments
The WHO classification, along with staging, forms the foundation for personalised treatment planning
What are the treatment options for recurrent thymoma?
When thymoma recurs after initial treatment, several options may be considered:
Surgery: If the recurrence is localised and technically resectable
Radiation therapy: Particularly if not used previously or for small, well-defined recurrences
Systemic therapy: Chemotherapy or targeted agents for widespread recurrence
Clinical trials: Investigating novel therapies
Many patients with recurrent thymoma can achieve meaningful disease control, sometimes for many years, through one or more of these approaches. The prognosis for recurrent disease is generally more favourable than for many other recurrent cancers.
Discover expert care for thymoma in London with Dr James Wilson. Learn about diagnosis, treatment options, and personalised support for this rare tumour. Book your consultation today.
