Researchers Uncover Previously Unknown Salivary Glands in Human Throat

 A team of researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute and other prominent medical institutions have stumbled upon a new set of salivary glands located deep within the human throat, between the nasal cavity and the throat itself. This groundbreaking discovery, published in Radiotherapy and Oncology, holds significant implications for patients with head and neck cancer, as it sheds light on potential side effects arising from radiation therapy in the area.

The unexpected finding of the "tubarial glands" occurred when radiorapist Wouter Vogel and oral and maxillofacial surgeon Matthijs Valstar were examining a new type of analysis [1]. During their investigation, they observed two illuminated areas in the upper region of the nasopharynx, which closely resembled known saliva-producing glands [1]. Up until now, it was believed that only microscopic salivary glands were present in the nasopharynx, distributed evenly across the mucosa [1].

The discovery of these tubarial salivary glands was made possible through the use of a combined CT and PET scan technique called PSMA PET-CT, which is commonly employed in prostate cancer research [1]. This remarkable finding not only expands our understanding of human anatomy but also paves the way for more targeted radiation therapy, potentially reducing side effects and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

References: [1] Cancer researchers discover new salivary gland [2] The tubarial salivary glands: A potential new organ at risk ... [3] Previously unknown saliva glands discovered deep inside ...