[Salivary gland drainage into the thyroglossal duct].

Background: Failure in regression of the thyroglossal duct is one of the most common reasons for midline swellings in the neck. Several authors have described recurrent thyroglossal duct remnants with persisting draining sinuses. However, few have described accessory salivary glands that drain into the thyroglossal duct.

Survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx--thirty-five-year experience with radiotherapy.

A retrospective comparison of treatment policies in two institutions revealed a change in the reliance on radiotherapy. Since 1978, high-energy, high-dosage radiotherapy has played a prominent role in the primary therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. Statistically, the overall determinate survival rate has improved compared with results during the preceding period, but the death rate from intercurrent disease and second primary cancers has remained unchanged.

Recurrence after different primary treatment for cancer of the supraglottic larynx.

Retrospective analysis of patient records at two hospitals was performed with the principal goal of clarifying the role of primary radiotherapy ill patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. Primary surgery was frequently performed during the first period from 1958 to 1978. Primary radiotherapy with surgery in reserve was the prevailing therapy during the second period from 1978 to 1993.

[Laser surgery of laryngeal cancer (T1 glottis). New therapeutic alternative].

The standard treatment for patients with T1a vocal cord cancer has been radiotherapy. From October 1995 selected patients have undergone laser surgery and up until March 1997 we had treated 16 patients. The results so far have been satisfactory with only one recurrence.

[Free vascular grafts in reconstructions in the head and neck region].

Since 1989, 40 free-tissue grafts were used in 39 patients to repair defects following major head and neck ablative surgery (n = 32) and for reconstruction of the mandible because of osteoradionecrosis or trauma (n = 7). The radial forearm flap was used in 17 patients (five including a segment of radius), the lateral arm flap in seven, fibula in five and a segment of ileum for restoration of the hypopharynx in 11 cases. Three radial forearm flaps and the bone in one lateral arm flap failed.