Scientists Accidentally Discover New Human Organ Hidden in the Head

In a surprising turn of events, scientists in the Netherlands have discovered a new human organ—something not identified in over 300 years.

Despite centuries of detailed anatomical study, our understanding of the human body continues to evolve. Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute stumbled upon this new organ by accident while conducting prostate cancer research in 2020.

During the study, patients underwent PET/CT scans after being injected with a radioactive tracer designed to target PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen), a protein commonly found in prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, PSMA is also present in salivary glands, causing them to glow during the scans.

But this time, scientists noticed something unexpected glowing in the upper part of the throat, behind the nasal passage. Intrigued by the finding, the researchers conducted further analysis and identified a previously unknown set of salivary glands—now referred to as the tubarial glands.

The discovery was confirmed through the examination of tissue samples from two cadavers and further validated by imaging data from 100 patients, all of whom were found to have these glands. The tubarial glands are located near the torus tubarius—an area where the nasal cavity connects to the throat—and their function appears to be the lubrication and moistening of this region.

Dr. Wouter Vogel, a radiation oncologist at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, explained that the glands likely went unnoticed due to their deep location and the fact that detecting them requires highly sensitive imaging technology.

“People have three known sets of large salivary glands, but not in that area,” said Dr. Vogel. “We were surprised to find these, as previously only microscopic mucous glands were known to exist in the nasopharynx.”

That glowing thing is the organ you've only just heard about (YouTube/Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek)

This marks the first discovery of a major salivary gland since the 18th century and was published in the Radiotherapy and Oncology journal. According to the 2021 PubMed report, researchers used PSMA PET/CT imaging, histological analysis, and 3D reconstructions to confirm the gland’s existence. The glands were described as “predominantly mucous with multiple draining ducts.”

The discovery holds clinical significance. Preserving these glands during radiotherapy (RT), especially in head and neck cancer treatment, could help reduce side effects such as dry mouth and improve patients' quality of life.

As Dr. Vogel and his team emphasized, this finding could change how certain cancers are treated: "Sparing these glands in patients receiving RT may provide an opportunity to improve their quality of life.”