We report on the case of a young woman, presenting with a left lateral neck lump, which turned out to be a bony callus originating from the thyroid cartilage; similar but smaller lesions were found on the same side in the hyoid and cricoid cartilages. The CT, MRI and pathological findings are described.

Inflammatory pseudotumours or plasma cell granulomas are space-occupying, rounded masses appearing in various locations usually as an aftermath of recurrent infections.

Recurrent pain and mass have been the most common presentations (Durst et al., 1977). These have been confused with tumours but radical surgical treatment is unnecessary, in the absence of life-threatening complications. The prognosis is excellent after excision. The nature and pathogenesis of the inflammatory pseudotumours, their presentation as fever and anaemia in some cases, are unknown.

This report is probably the first case of a plasma cell granuloma involving the maxillary sinus causing focal erosion of the orbital wall, simulating a malignant tumour clinically.

Leiomyosarcoma of the larynx is extremely rare. Histological diagnosis excluding other tumours, in particular fibrosarcoma and spindle cell carcinoma is often difficult. Immunohistochemical studies are helpful in arriving at an unambiguous diagnosis and we present a case characteristically positive for actin and desmin. The difficulties of determining treatment are discussed.

Ewing's sarcoma arising in the head and neck region is very rare. A case arising from C2 in a young child is presented. The unusual presentation, differential diagnosis and pathological features are discussed.