[Usefulness of neuron specific enolase in patients with head and neck malignant tumors].

The authors present results of evaluation of neuron specific enolase (NSE) in 146 persons. We analyzed a concentration of NSE in preliminary study and in monitoring depending on clinical advances of tumour, mass of primary tumour and metastases to lymph nodes. Neuron specific enolase was excluded because the number of positive results was the same both in the main and control group.

[Ototoxic complications of chemotherapy].

Ototoxicity of drugs is still an important problem in the management of many disorders. Some issues of inner ear impairment following administration of antibiotics, cytostatics, salicylates and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are presented in the article. Some of the clinical symptoms indicative to the possibility of complications in the inner ear: tinnitus, hearing loss, giddiness and vertigo.

[Alpha-fetoprotein--diagnostic utility in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck].

The authors present results of evaluation of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in 146 persons (108 patients with head and neck carcinoma and 38 healthy persons as control group). We analyzed a concentration of AFP in preliminary study and in monitoring depending on clinical advances of tumour, mass of primary tumour and metastases to lymph nodes. Our results indicate that evaluation of AFP have not high value in diagnostic procedures and monitoring patients with head and neck carcinoma.

[Lymph nodes metastases as a first sign of cancer].

The authors present three cases of cervical lymph nodes metastases from unknown primary lesion as a first and single sing of cancer. In follow-up the primary lesions of cancer was recognized (tonsil, hypopharynx, parotid gland). Presented patients pass through combined treatment: chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery with good results.

[Serum levels of tissue polypeptide antigen in patients with the head and neck cancer according to presence of metastases in lymph nodes].

Aim of the work was estimation of Tissue Polypeptide Antigen (TPA) concentrations in serum and qualification its diagnostic value in patients with malignant neoplasm of head and neck in dependence from presence of metastasis to regional lymph nodes. The study comprised the group of 146 persons (108 with head and neck malignant neoplasm, 38 of persons determined group supervisory). At 35 ill one ascertained metastasis to lymph nodes.