First bite syndrome refers to the development of pain in the parotid region after the first bite of each meal.

A man was referred to our institution with first bite syndrome as his only symptom. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck revealed a deep lobe parotid mass in close contact with the external carotid artery. Computed tomography guided fine needle biopsy indicated adenoid cystic carcinoma. Total parotidectomy was performed, with en bloc resection of the infiltrated external carotid artery and a selective neck dissection of levels Ib to III. High-weight ion radiotherapy was administered post-operatively.

First bite syndrome has hitherto only been described following parapharyngeal space surgery. We present the first case of parotid gland adenoid cystic carcinoma presenting with first bite syndrome as the only symptom. The presence of first bite syndrome should prompt the clinician to investigate the parapharyngeal space and deep lobe of the parotid gland, especially in the absence of other signs or symptoms.

We report an extremely rare case of laryngeal lichen planus.

A case report and literature review of the aetiopathogenesis, clinical features and management of laryngeal lichen planus are presented.

A male patient presented with hoarseness and a history suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. However, characteristic histopathological findings demonstrated lichen planus. The patient responded very well to oral steroids, and at the time of writing had remained symptom-free for two years.

This is the first English language report of laryngeal lichen planus. Lichen planus is a diagnosis of exclusion and responds well to steroids. However, patients should be followed up regularly as malignant change is known to occur.