A case of acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis is described in a twelve year old boy who presented with ophthalmic complications. The literature is reviewed to emphasize the potential dangers of this condition.

Metatastic tumour of the sphenoid sinus from distant primary sites are rare. If sphenoid involvement from adjacent structures is excluded there have been 26 reported cases of metastatic sphenoid sinus tumours. Seminoma metastatizing to other paranasal sinuses has been reported but a careful literature search did not reveal this occurring previously in the sphenoid sinus.

The giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a rare entity in head and neck. Only eight well documented cases of this type are reported in the English literature. These tumours affect the superficial and deep structures of the neck most often and are best treated with prompt radical surgery. The prognosis of the giant cell type of malignant fibrous histiocytoma is dependent on the location of the tumour, with superficial tumours having a much better outlook.

Tracheo-oesophageal puncture for voice restoration is now established as a common procedure in the postlaryngectomy patient. We present what we believe to be the first recorded case of osteomyelitic cervical cord compression following this technique. This is a potentially fatal complication, but diagnosis and active surgical intervention can result in recovery of full neurological function.

Chronic infections following cervical spine surgery are rare. Here we describe an unusual case presenting five years after anterior spinal fusion.

Orbital abscess of rhinosinogenic origin may develop, either by contiguous spread of the infection or by a thrombophiebitic process. While destruction of the bony walls of the paranasal sinus occurs in propagation of the infection by tissue continuity, haematogenous spread may take place through intact bone. Computed tomography demonstrates the status of the bony partitions shared by the orbit and paranasal sinuses, and the source of the orbital sepsis, thereby influencing the therapeutic approach.

A 41-year-old male Egyptian patient presented with difficulty in swallowing, snoring, and the sensation of a lump in his throat over a long period of time. On examination, a left tonsillar polyp was seen ( 4 × 2 × 1 cm) which was pedunculated, bilobulate, with an intact surface. The polyp was excised under local anaesthesia and histopathological examination revealed an haemangiomatous hamartomatous polyp.

The Britain Nepal Otology Service (BRINOS), founded as a registered charity in 1988, has so far held four ear surgery camps in Nepal, sponsored and organised a nationwide survey of the prevalence and causes of ear disease and deafness and is sponsoring a pilot scheme of primary care for ear disease. Seven thousand outpatients have been seen, 270 major and 170 minor ear operations have been performed in the four ear surgery camps.

Ingestion of small bones often causes oropharyngeal trauma. I present an unusual case of a potentially lifethreatening haematoma of the soft palate caused by a chicken bone. To my knowledge, this is the only case reported in the English literature.

An unusual case of oronasal foreign body in a child is reported. A plain lateral X-ray of the head was carried out to show the shape and position of the foreign body; it was also useful in planning removal.

Ribbon gauze impregnated with vaseline was packed around the sharp end of the metal in the nostril to protect the nasal mucosa from further trauma while removing it. We recommend this technique.