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In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute have found a previously unknown organ in the human throat. The discovery, published by Live Science, may redefine how cancer patients are treated, particularly those undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.

The group was experimenting with a new imaging method, PSMA PET-CT, which uses positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans and is mainly used to identify prostate cancer. Throughout the scans, a radioactive tracer accentuated two unanticipated regions in the nasopharynx, the area located behind the nose.

Radiation oncologist Wouter Vogel explained to Live Science, "People have three sets of big salivary glands, but not there.". So, guess our surprise when we discovered these." The newly discovered organs have been given the names tubarial salivary glands and are thought to keep the top part of the throat behind the nose and the mouth moistened.

Important Facts About 'Tubarial Salivary Glands'

• Location: Upper part of the throat, behind the nose (nasopharynx), above the torus tubarius cartilage.
• Length: Approximately 1.5 inches (3.9 cm).
• Function: Likely lubricates and moistens the nasopharynx to aid swallowing and speaking.
• Discovery Method: Accidental, during PSMA PET-CT scans for prostate cancer.
• Presence: Found in all 100 patient scans studied.
• Implications: Potential to reduce radiation-induced side effects in head and neck cancer treatment.
•Validation: Confirmed through imaging of patients and dissections of two cadavers.
• Impact: Could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients post-treatment.

Possible Effect On Cancer Therapy

Radiation treatment, though lifesaving, commonly injures salivary glands so that patients experience swallowing, speaking, and eating challenges. The Dutch researchers analysed more than 700 patient files and discovered that the greater the radiation dose to the newly found glands, the more serious side effects experienced by patients.

For most patients, it technically ought to be possible not to deliver radiation to this recently identified location of the salivary gland system, just as we attempt to spare the currently recognized major glands," Vogel told Live Science. "If we can spare these glands, patients might have fewer complications, which will directly enhance their quality of life post-treatment," he added.

 

Validation Through Cadaver Studies

To verify their results, the researchers performed 100 patients, primarily men, given the prostate cancer focus, and also did dissections on two cadavers. They identified that the nasopharynx area did contain mucosal gland tissue with ducts emptying into the upper throat, verifying the existence of these heretofore unknown glands. This finding is a huge one as it contradicts the long-held knowledge of human anatomy. It demonstrates that despite centuries of research, our body continues to have secrets hidden within it, which may have direct application to contemporary medicine," Vogel said.

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The group now plans to figure out how to best shield these glands from radiation therapy and which patients would be most helped. Researchers hope that this will represent a major step in minimising treatment side effects for cancer patients.

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The finding of the tubarial salivary glands points out to the ongoing possibility for medical advances despite already well-explored fields such as human anatomy. As Vogel and his team continue studying, the discovery could soon revolutionize clinical methods of using radiation therapy, enhancing both survival and quality of life for thousands of cancer patients worldwide.