the thymus produces two peptides that function to FAQ

Your thymus plays a major role in helping your immune system defend your body. The main thymus gland function is to process and teach your T cells how to identify and get rid of germs and other foreign substances. The thymus and T cells T cells are white blood cells. They're part of your immune system. They have to learn how to defend your body, which they do in your thymus gland. These fighter cells form in bone marrow, the spongy material inside your bones. From there, they travel to your thymus gland. In the thymus, T cells mature into germ-fighting immune cells. They "learn" how to remember bacteria and viruses they come into contact with, and they use that information to attack any future germs they encounter. Thymus hormones Another essential thymus gland function is to produce hormones that control different functions around your body. The thymus makes:

Your thymus gland is in the upper part of your chest. It sits in the space between your lungs, behind your breastbone (sternum) and in front of your heart. This area is also home to your esophagus, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

The thymus gland is a soft organ that is large in babies but begins to shrink after puberty. Once you reach adulthood, your thymus gland becomes relatively small. Your thymus is a fully developed organ in utero. It’s one of a few that curl in on themselves and become smaller and less active as you get older. Your thymus creates your T cells, which are a type of white blood cell. The proteins in your thymus help teach the T cells about which organs they're getting sent to. Your thymus prepares your cells to do a specific job for the remainder of their days.

A thymectomy is surgery to remove your thymus gland. About 10% of people with myasthenia gravis have a thymoma. This is a tumor on your thymus gland. Usually, these are benign (non-cancerous). But sometimes, they can be malignant (cancerous). A thymectomy can help prevent myasthenia gravis. Doctors recommend this surgery for people over 60 years old who have slight or more intense weakness from myasthenia gravis. For those with slight weakness, a thymectomy might be especially important if the weakness makes them less able to breathe or swallow. They also suggest the surgery for anyone who has a thymoma. Possible effects of thymectomy Recent data has shown there might be more effects to this surgery than experts used to think. In one study, researchers found that when you have your thymus gland removed, you may have a higher chance of death later in life from any cause. They found that people with a thymectomy were about twice as likely to die within five years, even if they had a condition where they needed the surgery, like myasthenia gravis. The study showed that people who got a thymectomy might also face a higher risk of cancer. They were found to be twice as likely to get cancer within five years of the surgery, compared to those who still have a thymus. Cancer in people who had a thymectomy seemed to be harsher. It was also more likely to return after treatment, compared to those with a thymus. While the study can't prove that a thymectomy directly causes cancer or other fatal conditions, the findings are still a concern for experts. Until there's more data, doctors are urged to think about the importance of keeping the thymus, when possible. Thymectomy during childhood Since the thymus is so important for immune system development during childhood, a thymectomy during childhood (before puberty) can also lead to issues. When this happens, people may have lower T cell numbers in the long run. These are white blood cells that fight germs and disease. Children who had a thymectomy could also have a weakened immune response when they get vaccines.

The thymus gland can regenerate and bounce back after illnesses and viruses, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep your thymus gland once you become an adult. A study showed that two molecules, IL22 and BMP4, play a part in the natural regeneration of your thymus gland. These molecules come from cells inside your thymus gland and promote repair and rebuilding. The thymus gland is a critical part of your immune system. But most of its work happens during childhood and slows after puberty. The T cells created in your thymus gland mature at that point. Then they become useful in fighting for your immune system for the rest of your life. If you start to have problems with your thymus gland or become at risk for thymomas, your doctor may consider removing your thymus. By adulthood, your thymus becomes less useful.

Many thymus disorders could affect this small gland in your chest. Knowing the signs and symptoms could help you identify a problem early and start treatment quickly. Ectopic thymus. This condition causes your thymus to be somewhere other than your chest. An ectopic thymus is benign but often gets confused with a tumor. Depending on its location, it can cause complications for other organs nearby. These include: