'Useless' organ that doctors often remove may actually fight cancer

(Image courtesy Pixabay)

(SCIENCE ALERT) – 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.

U.S. 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.

Get the hottest, most important news stories on the Internet – delivered FREE to your inbox as soon as they break! Take just 30 seconds and sign up for WND's Email News Alerts!

The study is purely observational, which means it cannot show that removing the thymus directly causes cancer or other fatal illnesses.

TRENDING: 1 of the few remaining European intellects stands up for truth

Read the full story ›