Scientists Discover a New Organ Inside Your Throat

Scientists at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have identified a previously unknown set of salivary glands located deep inside the human throat, specifically in the nasopharynx—the area behind the nose and above the throat.

What is Found:

• Name: Tubarial salivary glands
• Size: Approximately 3.9 cm long
• Location: Over the cartilage called the torus tubarius
• Function: Likely to lubricate and moisten the upper throat

Anatomy of the torus tubarius area. Macroscopic views of the torus tubarius area. Global anatomical overview with the area of interest in yellow and dissection planes in red (A) with aligned dissection specimen of the right nasopharynx, including a probe showing the auditory tube (B) and annotated graphical overview (C).

How It Was Discovered:

• Spotted during PSMA PET-CT scans used for prostate cancer detection
• Scans revealed salivary gland-like tissue lighting up in a previously overlooked region

Confirmed by:

• Imaging of 100 patients showing consistent gland structure
• Dissection of two cadavers verifying mucosal gland tissue and ducts

Why It Matters:

• Could reshape radiotherapy practices for head and neck cancers
• May explain post-treatment issues like dry mouth and swallowing difficulties
• Highlights the power of advanced imaging in anatomical discoveries