Updated: October 22, 2020 11:31:50 am
Researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute have identified a set of salivary glands deep in the upper throat and have named them ‘tubal salivary glands’ (Netherlands Cancer Institute).
Scientists in the Netherlands have discovered a potential new organ in the human throat that they stumbled upon while conducting research on prostate cancer, Livescience reported. Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have identified a set of salivary glands deep in the upper part of the throat and have called them “tubarial salivary glands.”
According to a study published in the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology, researchers confirmed the presence of the glands after examining at least 100 patients. The discovery may be important for the treatment of cancer. Until now, it was thought that this nasopharyngeal region, behind the nose, harbored nothing but diffuse microscopic salivary glands.
The newly discovered glands measure about 1.5 inches (3.9 centimeters) in length on average and are located on a piece of cartilage called the torus tubarius, Livescience reported. According to the researchers, the glands probably lubricate and moisten the upper part of the throat behind the nose and mouth.
Until now, three large salivary glands have been known in humans: one under the tongue, one under the jaw, and one on the back of the jaw, behind the cheek.
“Beyond that, perhaps a thousand microscopic salivary glands are scattered throughout the mucous tissue of the throat and mouth. So imagine our surprise when we found them, ”said study co-author and radiation oncologist at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Wouter Vogel, in a statement.
The new organ was discovered while scientists studied prostate cancer cells using PSMA PET-CT technology, a combination of CT scans and positron emission tomography (PET), which is good at detecting salivary gland tissues. In this technique, the patient is injected with a radioactive “tracer” that binds to the PSMA protein, which is elevated in prostate cancer cells.
Doctors using radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancers try to avoid the main salivary glands, as damaging them could make it difficult for patients to eat, speak or swallow, Vogel said.
However, in this case, the newly discovered glands were being affected by radiation as doctors were unaware of their existence in the human body. Therefore, the new discovery may result in fewer side effects for cancer patients.
“Our next step is to find out how we can best preserve these new glands and in which patients. If we can do this, patients can experience fewer side effects, which will benefit their overall quality of life after treatment, ”said Vogel.
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