A retrospective study suggests that the thymus gland, often considered "useless" in adulthood, may actually play a crucial role in maintaining adult health. Researchers found that individuals who had their thymus removed faced an increased risk of death from any cause and an increased risk of developing cancer. While the study cannot prove causation, researchers argue that preserving the thymus should be a clinical priority. The thymus is known to play a critical role in developing the immune system in childhood, and its removal can lead to long-term reductions in T-cells and impaired immune response. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these associations.
The thymus, an organ previously believed to be non-functional in adults, may actually play a crucial role in our health and cancer prevention as we age, according to recent research. A study found that adults who had undergone thymectomy (removal of the thymus) had a significantly higher risk of dying and developing cancer compared to those who hadn't. The thymus is involved in developing the immune system and producing immune T cells. The findings suggest that the thymus remains functionally important in adulthood and that the consequences of thymectomy should be carefully considered.
A retrospective study suggests that the thymus gland, often considered "useless" in adulthood, may actually play a crucial role in fighting cancer and maintaining overall health. Researchers found that individuals who had their thymus removed faced an increased risk of death from any cause and were twice as likely to develop cancer within five years of surgery. The study highlights the importance of preserving the thymus and raises concerns about the long-term consequences of thymectomy. While the exact mechanisms are unknown, researchers suspect that the absence of the thymus may disrupt the healthy function of the adult immune system.
Thymectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the thymus, commonly performed to treat myasthenia gravis or thymoma. It can be done through different techniques, including transsternal, transcervical, or video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. Before the surgery, a physical exam and medical history are taken, and imaging may be required. The procedure itself takes two to three hours, and recovery typically involves an overnight hospital stay. Follow-up appointments are necessary to adjust medications and monitor the healing process. Thymectomy does not affect the immune system in adults, as the thymus is no longer needed for immune system function.
