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Blog - Thymus
The Thymus Gland and its Function and Disorders
Posted on 6th Jun 2016
Thymus Gland Function and Health
The thymus gland is located in your upper chest and despite producing several hormones and containing glandular
tissue, it is associated more with the immune system than with the endocrine system. It serves a vital role in the development of T cells, an extremely important type of white blood cell.
In short, the thymus gland teaches T cells to identify and attack foreign bodies without harming the good cells in our body.
Cells created by our thymus move through our blood to our organs, where they defend you from germs and antibodies. Disorders of the thymus gland are relatively rare, but can be substantially serious.
Disorders
One problem is a genetic defect that can cause thymus problems from birth. SCIDs is a rare condition that develops when a person carries a gene mutation that disturbs the normal growth of T cells. There are at least nine different known genes in which mutations lead to a form of SCIDs. It is also known as the bubble baby syndrome because a child’s immune system can be so severely compromised their only option is to live in a “bubble “or sterile environment like David Vetter.
Another rare disorder is known as DiGeorge syndrome. This occurs when a piece of a chromosome is deleted, resulting in poor development of the thymus and other organs in the immune system. The severity of the disorder varies and can cause mild to severe symptoms. DGS is a lifelong condition, mostly affecting infants and children. Signs may include delayed development, underdeveloped jaw, learning disabilities and delayed speech.
There are 2 types of carcinomas that can develop in the thymus, thymomas and thymic. Both form cells on the outside surface of the thymus. They differ in that thymomas cells grow relatively slowly and thymic cells divide rapidly, spreading quickly to other parts of the body. If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder you are at a greater risk of developing thymomas carcinomas. Symptoms of thymus cancer can include trouble breathing, chest pain and a cough that doesn't go away. In some cases, few if any symptoms are noticeable in the beginning stages.
Treatment for Thymus disorders
Most types of Thymus disorders can be effectively controlled or cured. Genetic disorders such as SCID have been successfully treated through bone marrow transplants or gene therapy.
Thymus transplants have been performed in severe cases of DiGeorge syndrome. Milder forms have responded well to an infusion of immune cells.
Depending on the severity of myasthenia gravis, a condition causing abnormal weakness of certain muscles, this condition is often controlled through use of medications.
Treatments for cancer of the thymus vary, depending on whether and how far the cancer has advanced. Options can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and drugs.
Meditrend has developed a product called Thymus Plus. It is a homeopathic solution created to help promote the endocrine and organ systems. Who would have thought our Thymus is so critical to our body’s wellbeing? Thank you Meditrend.com for offering such a great product to help us grow healthy families.
