Twelve cases of adenolymphoma with inflammation are described. Pre-operatively, three of these patients presented clinical signs of inflammation in the parotid gland. In ten cases purulent exudate could be aspirated from the tumour. Rupture of the cyst may cause an aseptic inflammation in the surrounding tissue. It is concluded that adult patients with clinical or cytological signs of inflammation in the parotid gland must be supervised until the gland is normal in order not to miss an underlying tumour.

A parapharyngeal ectomesenchymoma consisting of mixed malignant fibrous histiocytoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumour with neuroglial differentiation occurred in a 36-year-old woman. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies verified the combined mesenchymal and neuroectodermal components within the tumour. Only 9 similar cases, including the present one, are on record. The patients ranged in age from 6 months to 49 years, with an average age of 18 years. The male: female ratio was 4:5. The tumour location was widespread. All reported ectomesenchymomas were histopathologically malignant. Recurrence and/or metastasis was/were common. The neural crest has been suggested as the origin of the ectomesenchymomas.

An ossified segment of the stylohyoid ligament was misdiagnosed as a foreign body.

A case is presented of the successful closure of a colono-cutaneous fistula in the neck, which developed twenty-one years after pharyngo-laryngectomy. A pectoralis major muscle flap and a delto-pectoral skin flap were used.

Chemical burns of the oesophagus caused by ingestion of corrosives present a difficult and potentially dangerous problem of management. Initial failure to recognize the seriousness of the injury and inexperience in the handling of the severer burn may result in consequences which are both life-threatening and life-long.

Analysis of 95 patients who had ingested caustic substances is presented. Ninty-one sustained burns of the mouth, 39 of the hypopharynx or oesophagus, and 31 had laryngeal burns. Sixty-three were children of 15 years and under. Caustic soda, especially in children, was the most common substance ingested. Severe oesophageal strictures developed early in 17 patients and in a further 21 oesophageal stricturing occurred late.

A protocol for the management of these patients is discussed.