A member asked:
Should i get my thymus removed to treat my myasthenia gravis? i dont have a tumor in it, but my doctor says its a little enlarged and he wants to take it out. ive read that if you take out your thymus you get another disease because you lose the hormon
4 doctor answers • 18 doctors weighed in
Dr. Herbert Krobanswered
Neurology 30 years experience
This : This is a great question.
The thymus is an organ in the chest that plays a role in the immune system. Thymectomy, surgical removal of that organ, has been used for many years to treat myasthenia gravis. Most myasthenia experts feel that removal of the thymus is very important in getting control of the disease
the national institute of neurological disorders and stroke is conducting a study to determine if thymectomy is truly as effective as believed. The study seeks to recruit about 150 adults at 50 sites throughout the United States and other countries. Recruitment will continue through 2012. To get more information about the study and about myasthenia gravis, go to the website of the myasthenia gravis foundation of america at www.Myasthenia.Org
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Simon Fishmananswered
Neurology 27 years experience
Thymus : Thymus removal is an effective treatment for myasthenia control in young women.
The thymus plays a role in the maturation of the immune system. Under normal circumstances, this gland becomes inactive after puberty. In certain cases, like mysasthenia, it can continue to make antibodies that target the area between the muscles and the nerves. Removal of the thymus often leads to remission but symptoms can return even in those women who have a thymectomy.
In general, considering the long term outlook, young women with enlarged thymus glands who have a thymectomy do "better" than those who don't.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Loki Skylizardanswered
Thoracic Surgery 21 years experience
Probably: In appropriate candidates, thymectomy should be performed by a trained thoracic surgeon. These links may assist: http://goo.Gl/3xxmd
and http://goo.Gl/qpvoqk
and http://goo.Gl/ynnbao.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Loki Skylizard commented
Thoracic Surgery 21 years experience
Provided original answer
"...a thymectomy is frequently recommended for patients under the age of 60 (occasionally older) with moderate to severe MG weakness. It is sometimes recommended for patients with relatively mild weakness, especially if there is weakness of the respiratory (breathing) or oropharyngeal (swallowing) muscles. It is also recommended for all patients with a thymoma..."
Oct 1, 2013
Dr. Creighton Wrightanswered
surgery 57 years experience
Likely YES: Depends on any other significant risk factorsw!
the operation is generally well tolerated in the chosen folks and with careful preparation and care.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Chiu commented
Allergy and Immunology 58 years experience
If you don't have a thymoma, get a 2nd opinion.
Sep 28, 2013
Dr. Loki Skylizard commented
Thoracic Surgery 21 years experience
"...A thymectomy is frequently recommended for patients under the age of 60 (occasionally older) with moderate to severe MG weakness. It is sometimes recommended for patients with relatively mild weakness, especially if there is weakness of the respiratory (breathing) or oropharyngeal (swallowing) muscles. It is also recommended for all patients with a thymoma..."
Oct 1, 2013
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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