Benign jaw tumors.

The jaw bones may develop the same types of tumors as the other bones of the body but may also develop tumors arising from the alveolar processes (epulis) and the developing teeth (odontomes). They are usually benign in nature and can affect the functions of mastication, swallowing and cause facial deformity. They make about 3% of all bone tumors with a tendency for a local recurrence if a wide excision is not contemplated at the first attempt. Local destruction caused by the tumor can mimic a malignancy; however with imaging we can get a fair idea about the treatment planning. We present a series of 6 cases of such nature for their variety, diagnostic challenge they posed and different reconstruction methods used for better cosmesis.

Benign laryngopharyngeal lesions: a case series.

Benign neoplasms of the laryngopharynx are extremely rare. Hereby we present 3 such interesting cases managed at our institute. While one was managed by conventional endoscopic route the other two required external approach. Even in the present era of endoscopic surgery sometimes these lesions necessitates external approach owing to anatomical distortion causing difficulty in intubation and/or inadequate exposure of the lesion. All these cases highlights the need of a competent surgeon to treat benign laryngopharyngeal lesions.

Giant fibrous epulis.

A variety of swellings located on or near the gums is clinically included under the heading of epulis. There are various types of epulis. In today's era of super specialization gum swellings more commonly present to the dental surgeon than to the practicing otolaryngologist. We present an interesting case of a fibrous epulis managed in our institute along with a brief review of literature.

An interesting case of arterio-veinous malformation in the neck.

An arterio-veinous malformation can be acquired and is rarely congenital. It usually presents with cosmetic deformity. If large it may manifest features of haemodynamic changes. Clinical assessment is the mainstay of diagnosis. Arteriography, MR angiography and rarely histopathology may help in clinching the final diagnosis. It is treated with wide excision after ligation of feeder vessels. Herein we present one such case of arterio-veinous malformation with review of available literature.

Safe thyroidectomy: Our view point.

Thyroid surgery by an Head & Neck surgeon can only be "Safe" when there is no morbidity. Identification and preservation of Recurrent laryngeal Nerve (RLN) and Parathyroids is absolutely necessary to ensure a Safe Thyroidectomy. Thorough knowledge of anatomy will guide the surgeon to the important landmarks.

Nasal glioma- a diagnostic challenge.

In this unusual case there was a difficulty in diagnosis on the basis of histopathological reporting. On the grounds of clinical suspiscion one has to try to find out the proper diagnosis by advanced diagnostic methods like immunohistochemistry.

Congenital cystic lesions in head and neck.

Congenital lesions by definition are present at birth; but certain congenital lesions of the head and neck, like branchial cysts and dermoid cysts, clinically present in childhood, early adulthood or late in life. A good history and a high degree of suspicion are the key to the adequate management of such lesions. Here we present a series of six case reports of congenital cystic lesions of the head and neck.

Malignant otitis externa.

Malignant Otitis Externa, though a misnomer, definitely alarms the surgeon, the idea that it behaves and spreads like a malignancy, in elderly diabetics, and if not treated deligently, can be fatal. Though the main line of treatment is medical, surgical intervention should not be deferred if indicated. We are presenting one such case where we have not only saved the patient's life but also controlled the pain adequately.

Nasal dermoids - our experience.

Dermoid Cysts and fistulas of the nose represent an uncommon embryological error. The frequency of misdiagnosis and recurrences of this lesion indicates the lack of awareness of its occult ramifications which lead to a compromised incomplete excision and are classified as "misadventures", We would like to present our experience with nasal dermoids - their clinical presentation and management.