After an unexpected diagnosis and surgical complications, a Whitman University professor sought care at Fred Hutch – Proton Therapy

Unexpected Diagnosis and Treatment

Jacqueline Woodfork, a 59-year-old history professor at Whitman University, received an unexpected diagnosis after a COVID-19 infection led to the discovery of a mass in her chest.

The mass was found to be thymic carcinoma, a tumor located in the mediastinum, which houses the heart, thymus, and major blood vessels, and was growing into her heart.

She credits her illness with saving her life.

After surgery to remove the tumor, Woodfork experienced many complications and sought care at Fred Hutch for radiation therapy, including proton therapy, which she found to be much easier on her body than other treatments.

Woodfork was happy with the care she received and considers her COVID-19 infection a lucky break that led to the discovery of her thymic carcinoma.

Author's summary: Professor's COVID-19 diagnosis leads to discovery of thymic carcinoma.

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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — 2025-11-03

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