What is the thymus?

The thymus is an organ located just behind the anterior breastbone in front of the heart, which is larger as a child and becomes so small as an adult that it is difficult to notice, and has functions related to our immune system. Tumors and cysts can arise from this organ, and sometimes the thymus can grow without a tumor (Myatenia gravis disease – thymus hyperplasia). In some cases of tumors or cysts in the thymus or thymus enlargement, it may be necessary to remove this organ (thymectomy).

Myasthenia gravis and thymus surgery?

Myasthenia Gravis is a neurological disease involving the muscular and nervous system of the body. It manifests itself with symptoms such as weakness, drooping eyelids, and in advanced stages extreme weakness and shortness of breath. In addition to many medical treatments, surgical removal of the thymus organ may be necessary in appropriate patients. Which patient can undergo surgery or, in other words, for whom surgical treatment will be appropriate is decided in council meetings held by many specialist physicians, especially neurology.  Surgical removal of the thymus organ in appropriate patients has been scientifically proven to be beneficial in controlling the disease.

Cysts and tumors of the thymus

The most common tumor of the thymus organ is thymoma. It is the most common tumor in the anterior part of the mediastinum in the adult age group.  In fact, the actual cancer of the thymus organ is not thymoma, but thymic carcinoma. However, thymoma is also a tumor with a poor prognosis that can metastasize and be fatal if not detected and treated early. It starts as a solid mass in the thymus, usually asymptomatic, and in a few cases is associated with myasthenia gravis.  When detected at the appropriate stage, the most appropriate treatment is complete surgical removal of the thymus organ with thymoma. This surgery, which used to be performed by cutting the anterior chest bone, is now performed with the help of Videothoracoscopy (VATS) in most patients. Patients who undergo early-stage surgery have a high chance of surviving the disease. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also possible as additional treatments. In advanced stages, surgery may not be possible and these patients receive only oncologic treatment. Life expectancy is lower in advanced stages.

Some cysts and thymus cancer can also develop in the thymus organ. Thymus cysts may be innocent or some thymic cysts may be associated with thymus cancer. They should be well examined radiologically and the thymus should be surgically removed in case of suspicion. Thymus cancer, on the other hand, is a cancer with a poor prognosis that progresses faster than thymoma and may cause invasion or distant metastasis in the early stages.  It can be treated surgically in its early stages. Oncologic treatments are performed in advanced stages.

Does removal of the thymus gland affect the body?

The function of the thymus organ is very small in adulthood and its surgical removal, when necessary, does not have any negative impact on the person’s health and life.