The memorable life of Hosmer A. Johnson, early midwestern laryngologist.

Hosmer A. Johnson, one of the early laryngologists in the Midwest, graduated in 1852 from Rush Medical College, and was the first intern in Chicago. With four other faculty members he left Rush in 1859 to establish what subsequently became the Northwestern University Medical School. He taught many subjects and was extremely active in local and national societies. An interest in diseases of the chest led him into laryngology and he became a charter member of the American Laryngological Association, where he reported on congenital tumors of the larynx, laryngeal paralysis, and cancer of the larynx. Dr. Johnson was a master of six or seven foreign languages, a versatile civic leader, a talented orator, and was greatly admired for his medical skills. The breadth of his accomplishments and character made for a truly memorable life.

Cholesteatoma of the frontal and ethmoid areas.

Cholesteatomas of the frontoethmoid region must always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass in the frontoethmoid region. A painless, slow-growing mass, often accompanied by proptosis and diplopia, but without history of trauma or infection, should make one suspect of this pathologic entity. Although histologically a benign lesion, the keratinizing squamous epithelial lining will continue to desquamate and expand, leading to erosion of surrounding structures which could be life-threatening. In order to prevent recurrence, complete removal of the cyst lining is mandatory. Cosmetic reconstruction, often requiring obliteration of the surgical cavity, should be delayed for one year to insure against recurrence of the covering of active squamous tissue adjacent to dura, cribriform plate or ocular structures.

Fibrous histiocytoma of the head and neck: A case report.

Fibrous histiocytomas are soft tissue tumors of histiocytic origin. One percent prove to be malignant. Reliable histologic criteria of malignancy are few, if any, and the diagnosis of malignancy often must be made on clinical (metastases) rather than histologic grounds. Thirty-five cases originating in various deep structures of the head and neck, excluding the orbit, have been reported in the literature since 1972. One additional case, a malignant tumor of the submandibular gland, is added herewith. Recurrence following initial surgery has been common and stems from inadequate excision of the primary lesion. Microscopic spread of this tumor from its primary site calls for radical rather than conservative surgical excision. At present, radiotherapy and chemotherapy appear to be of little value in the treatment of these tumors.

Transnasal microsurgical correction of choanal atresia.

Experience with the transnasal microsurgical correction of bilateral congenital choanal atresia is presented. Four case reports are presented to illustrate the advantages of this surgical approach utilizing standard otosurgical instruments and supplemental fiberoptic nasopharyngeal visualization.

Alternative uses for the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in otolaryngology.

Currently there are many fiberoptic instruments available to the otolaryngologist. These include, in addition to the rigid endoscopes, the fiberoptic headlight, cable, indirect laryngoscope, nasopharyngoscope, flexible laryngoscope, flexible esophagoscope and flexible bronchoscope. Each possesses a certain unique characteristic to aid the otolaryngologist. For several of these, there are certain alternative uses. The purpose of this report is to discuss additional uses for the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in relation to the head and neck as it is the most versatile instrument.