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Dutch Cancer Institute
The new discovery has been called tubal salivary glands.
A group of scientists announced a new discovery this week: extra organs in the head.
According to a new study from the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology, the researchers discovered a new set of salivary glands, about 3.81 cm long, behind the nose.
The new glands, called tubal salivary glands, are believed to lubricate and moisten the throat area behind the nose and mouth and are found where the nasal cavity meets the throat.
The discovery was accidentally made by researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute who were studying prostate cancer and examining a new combination of CT and CT scans called PSMA PET-CT that they believe detects metastasized prostate cancer better than others. exploration techniques.
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However, the specific protein the researchers were looking for, PSMA, which is found in prostate cancer patients, also tends to be found near salivary gland tissue.
Before this discovery, humans were thought to have thousands of microscopic salivary glands in the tissue of the mouth and throat along with three larger ones: one under the tongue, one under the jaw, and behind the ears. The new glands represent a fourth large group of salivary glands.
UNSPLASH
The discovery was made accidentally by researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute who were studying prostate cancer. (File photo)
In addition to the updates that will be needed for anatomy textbooks, the researchers also believe that the discovery will have therapeutic and quality-of-life benefits for cancer patients, as part of radiation therapy involves avoiding various areas of the mouth. with treatment from damaged salivary glands. it can make it harder for patients to eat and talk.
– New York Daily News
