Squamous odontogenic tumour (SOT) is a rare benign odontogenic neoplasm, apparently arising from rests of Malassez. It was first described in 1975 and since then only 17 cases have been recorded in the literature.

A new, not previously reported, characteristic case of SOT is presented in connection with a review of the literature.

It is concluded that the lesion occurs with equal frequency in the maxilla and mandible and now and then multifocally. Maxillary lesions seem to grow more aggressively than do mandibular ones. The symptoms are modest.

SOT has a characteristic pathologic picture which differs decisively from ameloblastoma and which, in connection with its benign nature, warrants the classification of SOT. Although most cases have been treated by conservative surgical therapy without recurrence, there are cases, especially in the maxilla with diffuse lesions, which have required en bloc resection or hemimaxillectomy.

The diagnostic problems are stressed and recommendations are made for the pathologist and the surgeon to pay attention to this rare but benign tumour.

An unusual thyroglossal duct anomaly characterized by a branched tract terminating in two separate cysts is described. The patient presented with a long-standing fistula following previous incomplete excision.

Thyroglossal cysts are common congenital anomalies (Moussatos and Baffes, 1963; Allard, 1982), which do not usually present any diagnostic difficulty. However, they may sometimes present with unusual clinico-pathological features. In this report we describe a branching and polycystic thyroglossal duct abnormality occurring in a young woman with a history of previous surgery for a midline cervical mass.

Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses are rare and often not diagnosed until tonsillectomy. As the condition may create diagnostic problems and serious complications, a case history is presented. The importance of rapid otorhinolaryngological examination and treatment is stressed.