A new, previously unknown organ in the head discovered, the “tubal salivary gland”. This is a medical revolution by Dutch researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute
Hidden in the shadows of the senses, a team of Dutch researchers has made a revolutionary discovery. While scientists at the Netherlands Cancer Institute wanted to unlock the secrets of prostate cancer, they came across a previously unknown organ: the “tubal salivary gland”. The exploration began with CT and PET scans, which used a special radioactive sugar solution to visualize tumors in the body. This sugar solution binds to the PSMA protein, which is not only present in higher quantities in prostate cancer cells, but is also an important indicator for detecting salivary glands. Unexpectedly, the scans showed bright spots inside the head, in places where such illumination was not expected. Furthering the research, scientists identified the tubal salivary gland, which is hidden behind the nose, near the confluence with the throat region. These glands, about four centimeters long, appear to be responsible for moisturizing the upper part of the neck behind the nose and mouth. What is fascinating is that this new organ was found in every one of the 100 patients examined and cadavers analyzed. The discovery has direct implications for medical practice, particularly for radiation therapy for head or neck cancer. By sparing the tubal salivary glands, patients can be protected from the unpleasant side effects of dry mouth and difficulty swallowing, eating and speaking. In addition to the newly discovered gland, notes Giovanni D’Agata, president of the “Rights Office”, the human head hosts three other important pairs of salivary glands: the parotid glands, which contribute most to chewing and swallowing, the submandibular glands, responsible of saliva production in the mouth, and the sublingual glands under the tongue. Together they orchestrate the production of the essential fluid that goes unnoticed in our daily lives.