Study finds thymus gland removal linked to higher cancer risk and mortality

A recent study suggests that the thymus gland, previously thought to be useless in adults, may play a crucial role in health. Researchers found that removing the thymus increases the risk of cancer and death later in life. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed nearly 2,000 heart surgery patients. Those who had their thymus removed were nearly twice as likely to die or develop aggressive cancer within five years compared to those who kept the gland. Scientists now argue that preserving the thymus should be a priority in medical procedures when possible. The thymus is important for developing T-cells, which help the immune system fight diseases.