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A case of primary chordoma of the maxillary sinus is presented. The embryology of the notochord is reviewed and it is suggested that the frequently used adjective 'ectopic' is a misnomer. The literature of primary paranasal sinus chordomas is reviewed and the clinicopathological features described. It is emphasized that these lesions can mimic other benign and malignant processes both clinically, radiographically and histologically. The treatment and prognosis is more favorable than the more common craniocervical chordoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five salivary gland hemangiomas in adults are reported. The feasibility of preoperative diagnosis on clinical and radiologic grounds is emphasized. Adult hemangiomas are of the cavernous type and can be differentiated from infantile capillary hemangiomas clinically as well as histologically. Cavernous hemangiomas in the adult should be treated by surgical excision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrolled cervical metastasis is the most common source of failure in the surgical treatment of supraglottic carcinoma. This study was designed to determine the value of supraomohyoid neck dissection in patients undergoing supraglottic laryngectomy. The rationale for considering the role of supraomohyoid neck dissection is that such a dissection encompasses the subdigastric and midjugular nodes which are the first echelon of lymphatic drainage of the supraglottic larynx. Thirty-eight patients with a diagnosis of epidermoid carcinoma of the supraglottis were treated by subtotal supraglottic laryngectomy (SSL). Ten patients underwent SSL with no neck dissection, 16 patients underwent SSL with supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHD)--9 unilateral and 7 bilateral, and 12 patients underwent SSL with radical neck dissection (RND). The 3 groups had comparable T classifications. All of the SSL and SSL with SOHD patients were classified as N0. Of the 12 patients treated with SSL and RND, 4 were classified as N0, 4 as N1, 3 as N2, and 1 as N3. The patients were studied to determine the incidence and pattern of subsequent neck disease, survival, complications, and length of hospitalization. The data indicates that supraomohyoid neck dissection offers little benefit as an adjunct to supraglottic laryngectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakdown of the normal protective function of the larynx, either through primary laryngologic or neurologic causes, leads to chronic aspiration, recurrent pneumonitis and possibly death. In this paper we discuss the existing surgical treatments for chronic aspiration. Tracheal separation and trecheoesophageal diversion are discussed, as are the difficulties of using these procedures in patients with pre-existing tracheostomies. A modification of tracheoesophageal diversion is presented whereby this procedure can now be utilized in those patients with pre-existing tracheostomies. The modified tracheoesophageal diversion is performed in five patients successfully. Since most patients have already had tracheotomies in an attempt to control aspiration, we feel that our technique of modified tracheoesophageal diversion enables this group of patients to benefit from this procedure as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review of the literature reveals 76 cases of fibrous histiocytoma of the deep structures of the head and neck. To this we have added 11 of our own cases, and analyzed the total group to determine clinical and histological features of a high risk population. Age, sex, presence of pain, location of tumor, size of tumor, and local invasion appear to be important clinical criteria. Bizarre giant cells, numerous and atypical mitoses, necrosis, and inflammation appear to be important histologic features. The treatment of choice is wide local excision. Chemotherapy appears to produce tumor regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]