AIIMS Bhopal Identifies New Gland in Nasopharynx, Boosting Head and Neck Surgery Precision

In a significant breakthrough in medical research, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal have identified a previously undocumented gland located in the nasopharyngeal region — the area situated behind the nose and at the upper part of the throat. The discovery marks an important step forward in understanding the intricate structure of the human body.

During the course of detailed anatomical research, the team not only identified the presence of this special gland but also clearly demonstrated the existence of its drainage duct — a feature about which no prior scientific documentation was available. The confirmation of the duct establishes that the structure functions as an independent gland rather than being part of another anatomical system.

The research was conducted by a team of six senior doctors: Sunita Arvind Athavale, Sheetal Kotgirwar, Manal M. Khan, Anshul Rai, Deepti Joshi, and Rekha Lalwani. Through extensive microscopic examination and systematic anatomical analysis, the researchers were able to define the gland’s exact location, size, structural characteristics, and its relationship with surrounding tissues and organs.

Importantly, this is the first time that both the gland and its drainage pathway have been clearly described and scientifically validated. The findings have been published in the internationally reputed Journal of Anatomy, a respected platform in the field of anatomical sciences. The study underwent rigorous peer review before acceptance, underscoring its scientific credibility and reliability.

Experts believe the discovery could have direct clinical implications. A clearer understanding of the nasopharyngeal region may enhance the precision and safety of head and neck surgeries. It may also improve cancer treatment planning, particularly in radiotherapy, where detailed anatomical knowledge is crucial to avoid damage to critical structures. Additionally, the findings could aid in better disease detection through advanced medical imaging techniques.

Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Bhopal, Madhabananda Kar, congratulated the research team, describing the achievement as a reflection of the institute’s strong multidisciplinary research capabilities. He highlighted that even well-studied regions of the human body can still yield new and valuable insights through dedicated scientific inquiry.

This discovery reinforces the idea that medical science continues to evolve, offering new knowledge that can ultimately enhance patient care, surgical outcomes, and diagnostic accuracy.