Superficial to the gland is the sternum. Lying deep to the thymus are the great vessels and the cranial part of the pericardium. The two lobes of the gland differ in size, and in many individuals the right lobe overlaps the left lobe. The thymus is about 5 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 6 mm thick.
Because the onset of the disease is gradual, many cases are not diagnosed until irreversible damage has occurred. Episodes of worsening symptoms (called exacerbations) are common in patients who have emphysema. Exacerbations become more frequent in advanced disease. Other symptoms of emphysema include the following: Cyanosis (bluish tint to the lips, fingertips, and skin; caused by low levels of oxygen [O2] in the blood) Edema (swelling; commonly in the feet and ankles)
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include: 1  Shortness of breath that may occur suddenly. 2  Sudden, sharp chest pain that may become worse with deep breathing or coughing. 3  Rapid heart rate. 4  Rapid breathing. 5  Sweating. 6  Anxiety. 7  Coughing up blood or pink, foamy mucus. 8  Fainting. 9  Heart palpitations. 10  Signs of shock.