Oncologists in the Netherlands have identified new glands within the human face, named the tubarial glands. Radiotherapy and Oncology, a peer-reviewed publication, reported the findings.

Researchers employed scans with radioactive glucose to "highlight" specific parts of the body in order to understand more about cancer processes in the head and neck.

They scanned with positron emission tomography and computed tomography.

The oncologists scanned approximately 100 patients and cadavers and were surprised to find that certain areas of the face continued to glow. They initially thought it was an oddity, but more examination revealed that they were dealing with a completely new organ of the human body.

It is worth noting that the tubarial glands contribute to saliva production in the mouth. The new organ is around the size of the three major salivary glands. They are, however, positioned on either side of the nasopharynx.

The discovery is consistent with the study team's primary goal of learning more about cancer. Radiation therapy, which kills cancer cells, may result in issues with salivary glands, most notably newly developed ones. Doctors will have to avoid targeting this new area of the face.