Great question! The short answer is that the thymus gland becomes less active as we age, which means removing it tends to have less impact on MG symptoms in older adults.
Here's why age matters when considering a thymectomy:
- The thymus gland is most active during childhood and begins to shrink after puberty
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Great question! The short answer is that the thymus gland becomes less active as we age, which means removing it tends to have less impact on MG symptoms in older adults.
Here's why age matters when considering a thymectomy:
- The thymus gland is most active during childhood and begins to shrink after puberty
- By adulthood, it plays a much smaller role in the immune system
- Older immune systems respond less strongly to the removal of the thymus
- The potential benefits simply don't outweigh the surgical risks as clearly in people over 60
That said, doctors make decisions on a case-by-case basis, so being over 60 doesn't automatically rule out the procedure. It's always worth having an open conversation with your neurologist about whether thymectomy could still be beneficial for your specific situation, age, and overall health. Every person with MG is different, and your care team is best placed to weigh up the risks and benefits for you personally.
April 29
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