What can cause thymitis?

Thymitis, which refers to the inflammation of the thymus gland, can be caused by infectious agents that affect the tissues of the thymus. Infectious causes may include viral, bacterial, or, less commonly, fungal infections. When the thymus gets infected, the immune response leads to inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms associated with thymitis.

While cancer, inflammation, and obstruction are relevant terms in medical terminology and can be associated with other conditions affecting the thymus or adjacent structures, they do not specifically pinpoint the main cause for thymitis. Cancer, for instance, can lead to changes in the thymus but is not a direct cause of thymitis. Similarly, inflammation is a consequence rather than a direct cause in the context of thymitis, and obstruction pertains to mechanical blockages rather than infectious causes.

Thus, with infection recognized as a primary trigger of thymitis, this is why the answer accurately identifies the leading cause of this condition.