To explore the pathology, diagnosis, therapeutic strategies and prognosis of primary temporal inverted papilloma.

We present one of the first reported cases of primary temporal inverted papilloma with premalignant change. The available data are reviewed.

To the best of our knowledge, only 10 evaluable cases of this tumour have been reported. The recurrence rate is higher for this tumour than for sinonasal inverted papilloma.

Primary temporal inverted papilloma is extremely rare, and its diagnosis should be made only following clinical exclusion of sinonasal papilloma. Therapy mainly comprises radical resection of the lesion, and long-term post-operative follow up is mandatory.

To report a case of primary nasal tuberculosis, and to discuss the diagnostic difficulties encountered.

A teaching hospital in Norwich, UK.

Case report and review of the English language literature concerning tuberculosis affecting the head and neck region.

The diagnosis of nasal tuberculosis is based on: histological identification of granulomatous inflammation; positive testing for acid-alcohol resistant bacilli; and positive culture. Newer diagnostic tests have the advantage of speed and improved accuracy, but are not as yet completely evaluated for the diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is important to consider nasal tuberculosis in the initial differential diagnosis. The quest to exclude a malignancy may lead to unacceptable delays in treatment.

We report a case of weakness of the buccal branch of the facial nerve after a canine fossa puncture procedure.

A case report and literature review are presented.

A 52-year-old woman diagnosed with right chronic maxillary sinusitis underwent canine fossa puncture during endoscopic sinus surgery. Immediately after the operation, she complained of motor weakness of the right upper lip and oral commissure, in the area innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve. Electroneurography revealed incomplete paralysis of the right buccal branch. However, facial weakness had recovered spontaneously by three months post-operatively, with no permanent disability.

This is the first reported case of an injury to the buccal branch of the facial nerve following canine fossa puncture. Although the incidence of this complication is very low, surgeons should inform their patients of the possibility, and should take care when choosing the puncture site.

To report an unusual case of hypopharyngeal perforation in a sword-swallower, with emphasis on management options.

Case report and review of the English language literature concerning sword-swallowing injuries to the hypopharynx and oesophagus.

A 29-year-old male sword-swallower suffered hypopharyngeal perforation during a performance. The patient received conservative management, with intensive care unit admission, infectious disease consultation, intravenous antibiotics, discontinuation of oral intake and close observation. He progressed well, resumed oral intake on hospital day six, and was discharged home on hospital day eight.

Sword-swallowing is an unusual vocation which may lead to potentially devastating injuries. This case report and review of the literature illustrates the management options for such hypopharyngeal and oesophageal injuries.