Do We Know What Causes Thymus Cancer?
Not much is known about why thymus cancers develop in some people but not in others. Researchers have found some DNA changes that occur more often in thymus cancer cells than in normal cells. (DNA is the chemical in each of our cells that makes up our genes — the instructions for how our cells function.) However, they are still not certain why these changes occur in some people, exactly how the changes occur, and how the changes might cause cancer to form.
- Written by
- References
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Revised: October 4, 2017
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
Our lifesaving work is made possible thanks to generous supporters like you.
Donate now so we can continue to provide access to critical cancer information, resources, and support to improve lives of people with cancer and their families.
Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
