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A "new" organ? Study says "Interstitium" may play a role in cancer

820 views · Published 2 April 2018 · 1:05 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Researchers say that they have a new organ, one that could be the largest organ people have in their bodies, if it's an organ at all.

A study published in the Journal of Scientific Reports says it's not a distinct, well-defined organ such as the heart, liver, or skin. Instead it is one made up of widespread, fluid-filled spaces in and between tissues all over the body.

It is known as the "interstitium."

Scientists have long known about interstitial tissue and fluid, but the new study raises the idea of calling it an "organ."

The authors of the study say it represents 20 percent of the body's volume, while the skin accounts for 16 percent.

Not all experts agree that the interstitium is an actual organ.

Researchers say they hope to find out more about not just the “organ”, but the study also indicates that it may play a role in the spread of cancer cells.

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