The TNM-classification of laryngeal carcinomas of the UICC contains a number of weaknesses which diminish their prognostic relevance. Based on clinical observations and microscopic investigations of surgical specimens, several changes are proposed to improve the existing TN-classification.

The larynx is subdivided by the UICC into the supraglottic, the glottic and the subglottic main area and their tumours. There are embryological, anatomical, functional and oncological reasons to divide the larynx into two main areas only—the supraglottis and the glottis (vocal folds) without any further subsites and to abandon a separate group of subglottic tumours. The T size of a tumour should not be assessed according to the extent of an ill-defined anatomical region, but measured in millimetres of greatest surface extent only. The T2 category of vocal fold tumours should not contain those which lead to an inhibited mobility of the fold. All tumours with reduced vocal fold mobility or fixation should be classified as T3 or T4 according to the dimension of invasion. Post-operative pathological examinations (pT/pN) allow an assessment of the true extent of a tumour in three dimensions. A validation study using a ‘metric’ T pT-classification shows very distinct groups of tumours with a significantly different prognosis from Tis 1 to T4. Studies of lymph node metastases in the neck have shown that, number, size, site of metastasis and the presence of extracapsular tumour spread have a significant influence on the prognosis. An improved N/pN-classification taking these factors in consideration is proposed.

Successful replacement of the sound conducting mechanism of the ear has been hampered by infection, perforation, prosthesis instability and extrusion. In this animal study on thirty rats a silicone prosthesis was inserted between two layers of fascia as a total replacement of the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain. After four months the graft was found to be intact without evidence of infection or extrusion in all but one of the 30 rats. These results justify a trial of a similar silicone prosthesis in humans.

We studied the seroprevalence of antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae, the third species of chlamydia, in patients with acute infections in otolaryngeal sites. The patients were divided into five diagnostic groups, i.e. sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, laryngitis and bronchitis group. Antibodies were measured by the microimmunofluorescent method. Antibodies confirming past infection with C. pneumoniae were found 46.2 per cent of the patients in the diagnostic groups and 44.7 per cent of the subjects in the control group. The difference between these two groups was not statistically significant. Acute or recent antibodies were detected in 10.5 per cent (2/19) of these patients with sinusitis, 19.2 per cent (10/52) of those with tonsillitis, 23.5 per cent (8/34) of those with otitis media, 18.2 percent (6/33) of those with laryngitis and 22.8 percent (13/57) of those with bronchitis, whereas only one member of the control group had acute antibodies. These data suggested that C. pneumoniae is an important and common pathogen of otolaryngeal disease.

A simple photographic method of assessing a commonly encountered nasal deformity has been devised. The method described is of use in quantifying a subjective appearance and in assessing the result of surgery.

The functional role of the paranasal sinuses in man has long been in dispute and as yet no satisfactory explanation has been offered for these ‘unwanted’ spaces. An answer may be found by study of the comparative evolutionary development of the sinuses in man and other higher primates.

Several unique physical characteristics of man not seen elsewhere in the ape family, or indeed in other terrestrial mammals, including some relating to the upper aerodigestive tract, are not satisfactorily explained by the traditionally held theory of evolutionary development of early man directly from the arboreal ape.

It is argued that these developmental differences are much more logically explained by a period of aquatic adaptation at a crucial period in the evolution of pre-hominid man. A new theory is proposed which might explain the importance of the sinus air cavities as buoyancy aids for protection of the upper airway tract in such an aquatic environment.

Further evidence is offered relating to a pathological condition of the external ear canal which supports this theory that man at some stage in his early development acquired an affinity for an aquatic environment.

Explanation of these unique hominid characteristics in terms of an aquatic evolutionary theory may help to resolve some of the enigmatic inconsistencies between man and other higher primates, and may account for man's eventual emergence as the dominant extant species, and perhaps an explanation for the ‘missing link’.

Lateralization of one or both vocal folds is a generally accepted surgical principle for the relief of the airway obstruction caused by bilateral vocal fold paralysis. A modified, entirely endoscopic method of lateralization has been developed, employing a carbon dioxide laser to reduce the bulk of the fold, and fibrin glue to maintain the lateral position. The results of 18 operations on 15 patients, including six who had unsatisfactory results after previous surgery, were analyzed and compared retrospectively with the results from 22 patients operated on before the introduction of the method. The patient's ability to perform everyday activities improved in 12 cases, which paralleled the results of the previous, more cumbersome methods. The incidence of re-operation was comparable, given the shorter follow-up after the more recent method.

The use of a tracheo-oesophageal voice prosthesis was introduced to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery unit in 1986. Although it was the authors' impression that most total laryngectomees since then had been offered this method of voice restoration, it was thought that long standing laryngectomees were seldom offered tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) speech. Therefore all 58 total laryngectomees currently attending the combined head and neck surgery/radiotherapy clinic were assessed. Thirtytwo had a tracheo-oesophargeal fistula with voice prosthesis. All of these patients had undergone their total laryngectomy since 1986 and 83 per cent had achieved TOF speech. The remaining 26 patients (who mostly had their laryngectomy before 1986) had not been offered TOF speech. An outpatient consultation was arranged for these patients and 63 per cent of those offered, accepted TOF creation and a voice prosthesis. When compared to those who refused, it was found that good oesophageal speech, age or interval since laryngectomy were not good predictors of likely refusal. This study indicates that all fit long standing laryngectomees should be offered secondary TOF creation.

We treated 114 patients with advanced inoperable head and neck cancer with a combined-modality protocol that included two cycles of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy or three cycles of chemotherapy and in 18 patients with a radiosensitizing agent. At the beginning of the treatment all but one patient presented with a stage IV cancer. With a follow-up of 42–58 months, four patients are alive (three from the radiosensitizing group and one of the chemotherapy group). Complete response after the radiosensitizing agent correlated with superior prolonged disease-free survival in comparison to complete responses after chemotherapy at the level of p<0.009.

The quality of survival of 48 patients treated surgically for head and neck cancer was assessed using a problem-orientated self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on the European Organization for Research into the Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire to which a specific head and neck module was added. The following domains were studied: pain, fatigue, physical symptoms (gastrointestinal and ‘other’), functional activity, psychological symptoms, overall physical condition and overall quality of life. For the analysis, five groups of patients were considered: laryngectomy (n=15), pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy (n=5), craniofacial procedure (n=11), ‘other operations’ (n=9) and patients with disease recurrence (n=8). Each group identified different problem areas. Laryngectomees and ‘other operation’ patients reported relatively few problems, whereas patients with disease recurrence described difficulties in all of the domains examined. Symptoms of fatigue were common. Information collected in this way may facilitate improved rehabilitation and thus better quality of survival.

This paper is a retrospective study of 15 patients with parapharyngeal neurofibromas operated over a six year period. No patient presented with a neurological deficit. CT scans revealed a well encapsulated moderately enhancing mass in ten cases. The tumour was removed by a transcervical approach in ten cases while in five a cervical-transpharyngeal route with mandibulotomy was used; in three of the latter group the tumour was retropharyngeal. In two cases a recurrence was successfully excised. It was realized that a mandibulotomy was required when the internal carotid was displaced medially, or if the tumour extended to the base of skull or when its vertical diameter exceeded 8 cm.

Topical antibiotic preparations are widely prescribed in the treatment of infected mastoid cavities with no knowledge of the distribution of the preparation within the cavity. This study ascertains the distribution of drop and spray preparations within mastoid cavities and suggests methods of delivery to maximize coverage.

A 40-year-old woman presented with a nodule over the tragus of the right ear. A biopsy was initially reported as showing non-specific inflammation. In view of the persistence of the lesion, the histological material was reviewed, leading to revision of the diagnosis to Rosai-Dorfman disease, a diagnosis further confirmed by immunoreactivity of the histiocytes for s-100 protein. This case represented the extranodal form of Rosai-Dorfman disease in the absence of lymph node involvement.

Ossicular necrosis is often associated with chronic adhesive otitis media. An unusual abnormality discovered in an incus removed during tympanoplasty is reported. The long process appears to have been grooved by pressure from the chorda tympani. An alternative theory to explain the vulnerability of the long process of the incus is suggested.

Persistence of the stapedial artery is rare. A case is presented in which the stapedial artery was found over the footplate during stapes surgery. The technical problems encountered are discussed.

A wire prosthesis has previously been used in the presence of a persistent stapedial artery and we describe the use of an all Teflon prosthesis.

A subsequent CT scan demonstrated the vessel in the middle ear.

An outline of the embryology of the stapedial artery is given and the literature reviewed.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin is an uncommon neoplasm. A case of one such tumour in the head and neck region is being presented. This case is the youngest known patient. The literature has been reviewed. The current concepts in diagnosis and management of this tumour are discussed.

Leukaemic cell infiltration of the nose as a first manifestation of the disease is extremely rare. We report a case of a three year-old child who had presented with a swelling at the root of the nose for one month and proptosis of the right eye for one week. CT scan revealed a mass infiltrating the nose and nasal cavity along with infiltration of the retro-orbital region. Biopsy showed it to be myeloid cell deposits. Patient was put on antileukaemic chemotherapy but died two months after the first appearance of the symptoms.

A case report of a cavernous haemangioma arising in the nasal bones is described, together with a discussion of the relevant literature. The condition, although rare, can be reliably diagnosed pre-operatively.

Malignant germ cell tumours of the head and neck are extremely rare. Their behaviour, despite aggressive surgical and adjuvant therapy, is relentless with most cases resulting in a fatal outcome. In this paper we present a case of a cervical embryonal carcinoma and review the presentation, clinical course and treatment of malignant germ cell tumours.

Two cases of chondrosarcoma of the hyoid bone are described. They were managed with surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy. These patients are disease free at 26 months and 15 months respectively.

A case of multiple ganglioneuroma arising along the entire length of the cervical sympathetic chain of one side of the neck is described. This is a distinctly unusual site and distribution of the disease and computed tomography proved invaluable to demonstrate its extent, in addition to excluding involvement of more caudal regions.