Amidst the scientific chaos that 2020 brought, a group of oncologists in the Netherlands discovered a new organ! When we think of organs, we think of the vital ones: heart, liver and kidneys. But back in October 2020, we learned about this new organ, “Tubarial gland”, lying in the space where the throat meets the nasal cavity.
The organ was discovered while carrying out prostate-specific membrane antigen imaging scans, using positron emission tomography (PSMA PET/CT scans) to look for tumours in a set of 100 patients being treated for prostate cancer. To get more scientific proof, the leading team of scientists suggested replicating the study in other parts of the world, with new sets of participants. However, this did not seem feasible on a large scale, because the Tubarial glands cannot be identified through general technology like CT or MRI scans. It could only be seen using advanced technology like PSMA PET/CT scans.
The findings of the original study suggest that the function of these Tubarial glands is to lubricate the nasopharynx and oropharynx and maintain moisture there. This nasopharynx is the upper part of the pharynx which connects the throat and nasal cavity. The scientists say that the discovery can help improve the quality of life of patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer. As a result of radiotherapy, patients complain of dry mouth and issues when swallowing. Since doctors were not aware of ways to salvage this organ, it was damaged during radiotherapy, but now that it has been discovered, there are possibilities of devising a way to shield the organ from radiotherapy, leading to better lubrication, and thus ease in swallowing post radiotherapy.
While the findings have great potential to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from head and neck cancer, there are other groups of scientists that do not agree with the study. For example, Dr. Alvand Hassankhani, a radiologist at University of Pennsylvania, argues that the tubairal glands may not be an organ, because there are many sets of minor salivary glands present in the inner folds of the mouth and throat, and it is likely that the tubarial glands are an example of that, rather than a set of major salivary glands. Currently, there are three major sets of salivary glands- parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands- and if new studies support the findings of the original study, the tubarial glands would be identified as the fourth major salivary gland.
There would only be more advancements in the debate when subsequent studies are carried out, replicating the procedure in the original one. Only then will researchers have enough data to reach a conclusion. Nevertheless, this finding is considered a great advancement for patients with head and neck cancer. In my opinion, this whole procedure shows the growth of the scientific community, and I’m sure while a conclusion is awaited, researchers have already started devising new ways to salvage the organ and use it to its best ability!
Bibliography:
Hunt, Katie. “Scientists Discover Possible New Organ in the Human Throat.” CNN, Cable News Network, 21 Oct. 2020, edition.cnn.com/2020/10/21/health/new-organ-throat-scn-wellness/index.html.
“Oropharyngeal Cancer: What Is It, Symptoms, Stages, Prognosis.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12180-oropharyngeal-cancer.
“2020 Discovery: Researchers Find New Organs in Human Body.” DNA India, 22 Oct. 2020, www.dnaindia.com/health/report-2020-discovery-researchers-find-new-organs-in-human-body-2851532.
Person. “Scientists May Have Discovered Two New Organs-and They’re Hiding inside Your Head.” Advisory Board, Advisory Board, 22 Oct. 2020, www.advisory.com/en/daily-briefing/2020/10/22/new-organs#:~:text=A team of doctors in,Katherine Wu reports for the.
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