Using a new type of scanner, researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute have discovered a new salivary gland, located deep in the nasopharynx. A discovery that could help patients with head and neck cancer.
- While testing a new scanner as part of their oncology research, the researchers discovered a new salivary gland, located at the very bottom of the nasopharynx.
- This discovery could benefit patients with head and neck cancer in the event of radiotherapy.
- By sparing this new area, the researchers will be able to reduce the risk of complications.
It’s a discovery that could only be made recently, thanks to a completely new model of scanner. On Friday, October 16, radiation oncologist Wouter Vogel and oral and maxillofacial surgeon Matthijs Valstar from the Netherlands Cancer Institute detailed in the journal Radiology & Oncology their discovery: that of a hitherto unknown salivary gland at the bottom of the nasopharynx.
In a statement, they explain that they discovered it by chance, while they were testing a new PSMA PET/CT scanner that not only visualizes organs, but also cells and molecules. By using a contrast product, they realized that in addition to highlighting the already known salivary glands, the imaging illuminated a new area, located at the very bottom of the nasopharynx.
“People have three sets of large salivary glands, but not thereexplains Wouter Vogel. As far as we know, the only salivary or mucous glands in the nasopharynx are microscopically small, and up to 1,000 are evenly distributed throughout the mucous membrane. So imagine our surprise when we found these glands.”
According to the Matthijs Valstar, these two new areas “were found to have other salivary gland features”. Evidenced in 100 people, these new glands were called tubal glands,”with reference to their anatomical location”.
Fewer complications after radiation treatment
For the researchers, this discovery can be beneficial for patients with head and neck cancer, including tumors of the throat or tongue, since it will now make it possible to “bypass” it during future treatments, such as radiotherapy. “Radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands, which can lead to complications, explains radiotherapist Wouter Vogel. Patients may have difficulty eating, swallowing or speaking, which can be a real burden.”
Because the irradiation of these “new” glands can lead to complications. Together with their colleagues at the University Medical Center Groningen (Netherlands), the researchers analyzed data from 723 patients who underwent radiation treatment. They found that the more these new areas are irradiated, the more patients suffer from complications afterwards.
“For most patients, it should be technically possible to avoid administering radiation to this newly discovered location of the salivary gland system, in the same way that we try to spare known glandsconcludes Wouter Vogel. Our next step is to figure out how we can best spare these new glands and in which patients. If we can achieve this, patients will be able to experience fewer side effects, which will improve their overall quality of life after treatment.”
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