Carcinoid tumour of the middle ear.

A case of middle ear mass in a young female from Ireland is described, who presented with left ear hearing loss and intermittent bloody discharge from the same ear. Examination under microscope revealed occlusive polyp in the left ear and a biopsy had been taken under general anaesthesia. Histopathology report described an adenoma / carcinoid tumour of the middle ear confirmed by positive immunohistochemical staining. CT temporal bones revealed the extension of the disease. The patient underwent left tympanotomy and excision of the tumour. In general, these tumours are regarded as benign but may be mistaken for adenocarcinomas because of their histological heterogenecity.

An unusual cause of recurrent throat pain - calcified stylohyoid ligament.

Calcified stylohyoid ligament is also called an elongated styloid process and the symptom complex that it produces is called Eagle's syndrome. The symptoms of neck pain, sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, dysphagia and otalgia may be confused with other head and neck pain and are often worsened by yawning, opening the mouth wide or turning the head laterally. This is the result of involvement of cranial nerves, carotid plexus and cervical plexus. Carotid artery involvement causes wider symptomatology. Sometimes, it presents as a complication of tonsillectomy procedure. Elongated styloid process is conveniently identified on firm digital examination of tonsillar fossa. Diagnosis is made with appropriate radiological examination. Non-surgical treatment options include re-assurance, analgesia, anti-inflammatory medications and surgical option is shortening of the elongated styloid process by transoral or external approach. The condition is hereby described in a 59 years old male.