'Useless' Organ That Doctors Often Remove May Actually Fight Cancer
There's a small fatty gland that sits behind your sternum and is often said to be 'useless' in adulthood.
A recent retrospective study, however, suggests the thymus gland is not nearly as expendable as experts once thought.
US researchers found that those who get their thymus removed face an increased risk of death from any cause later in life.
They also face an increased risk of developing cancer.
The study is purely observational, which means it cannot show that removing the thymus directly causes cancer or other fatal illnesses.
But researchers are concerned by their findings. Until we know more, they argue that preserving the thymus "should be a clinical priority" where possible.
