Although thymic tumors are the most common tumors in the anterior mediastinum (the front part of the chest cavity), overall they are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers. The exact number diagnosed each year is not known.

In the United States, thymomas tend to occur in people in mid life. The highest number is seen in people in their 40s and 50s, but they can be seen at any age. They are rare in children, but when they do occur they tend to be faster-growing than in adults.

Survival statistics for thymomas are discussed in the section "How is thymus cancer staged?"

Last Medical Review: 05/18/2009
Last Revised: 05/18/2009