We report a unique case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx.

We present the patient's case history, management and histopathological findings. A literature review of all cases localised to the larynx or pharynx is provided and discussed.

A 67-year-old man presented with airway obstruction due to a spherical mass in the hypopharynx originating from the posterior pharyngeal wall. The tumour was resected. Histopathological examination revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. We found only five previously reported cases with pharyngeal localisation. Further treatment of the patient is described.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the pharynx is extremely rare. It is regarded as a neoplastic tumour of intermediate biological potential. In cases with extrapulmonary localisation, the incidence of local recurrence can be as high as 25 per cent. Radical surgery is the treatment of choice; no adjuvant therapy is necessary.

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.

We report an extremely rare case of vocal fold palsy secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Case report and English-Language review of the world literature concerning vitamin B12 deficiency and its neurological manifestations. We discuss the physiological role of vitamin B and its specific relationship to the presented patient's symptoms.

We describe a rare instance of a patient presenting with bilateral lower limb weakness and unilateral vocal fold palsy, as a manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency. Quick recognition and treatment resulted in a full recovery.

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of unilateral vocal fold palsy secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency. Central and peripheral neuropathies have been described; however, other than the optic nerve, the cranial nerves are very rarely affected. It is important to consider vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause, as speedy identification and treatment can help prevent permanent neurological damage.

To demonstrate the clinical and histopathological features of nodular fasciitis in the parotid region.

A 24-year-old man presented with a palpable mass in the superior border of the parotid gland. The mass was firm and immobile, with a smooth surface. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed proliferating fibroblasts, macrophages and adipocytes among the blood cells. Although a superficial parotidectomy was initially planned, a total excision was performed, as the mass was observed to be located in the periphery of the parotid tissue. Nodular fasciitis was diagnosed, based on the results of immunohistochemical analysis.

Nodular fasciitis very rarely occurs in the parotid region. These lesions grow quickly, and may be misdiagnosed as sarcoma. Trauma may play a role in their aetiology. Total excision is adequate as treatment.