[Cerebral abscess and ear cancer in the course of chronic otitis media]

Authors are discussing the coexistence of cerebral abscess and the ear cancer in the course of chronic otitis media. They are emphasizing the existing danger of intracranial complications and at the same time the development of cancer with a non-typical course in the middle ear with effusion is more probable.

[Extracapsular spread as an ominous prognostic sign in laryngeal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

Impact of extracapsular spread upon survival and recurrence rates in patients with laryngeal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 309 patients with pathologically confirmed regional metastases with and without extracapsular spread (144 and 165 patients respectively). To examine impact of clinical variables upon treatment outcomes we used logistic regression (logit) and Kaplan-Meier method to calculate 5-years disease free survival.

RESULTS

Extracapsular spread significantly reduced 5-years survival (40% vs 77%; p = 0.005) and increased regional recurrence rates (33% vs 12%; p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Authors suggest use of radiotherapy after neck dissection in presence of extracapsular spread.

[Acute suppurative thyroiditis--laryngologic problem]

INTRODUCTION

Authors present four cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis treated in our department. Initial symptoms are similar to acute pharyngitis or laryngitis but could end in fulminant course that could be life threatening.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present etiology, clinical symptoms and accessory exams as well as new treatment methods.

RESULTS

All four patients were cured. In one case pharmacological treatment was sufficient. In second case the patient needed intubation due to stridor. In third one after pharmacological treatment we performed partial thyroidectomy. In last case patient with thyroid abscess needed urgent thyroidectomy due to retropharyngeal and mediastinal multiple abscesses.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute suppurative thyroiditis needs hospitalisation. Some patients needed surgical intervention due to life threatening course.

[Haemangiopericytoma of the parotid gland]

Haemangiopericytoma is a vascular, soft tissue neoplasm with rare occurrence in the head and neck region. On the basis of literature we discuss etiology, symptomatology, histopathology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. We present the case of 66-old woman with haemangiopericytoma in the parotid gland treated by surgery.