Secondary neoplasms of the larynx are rare and account for 0.09 to 0.4% of all laryngeal tumors. These tumors can occur by hematogenous or lymphogenous spread and may represent a diagnostic dilemma when the laryngeal localization is the only manifestation of disease. When multiple metastases are present, the appropriate treatment becomes even more controversial. To our knowledge only 148 cases of metastatic laryngeal neoplasms have been reported in the literature, with cutaneous melanomas and carcinomas from the kidney representing the most frequent primary sites of origin. Our research of the available literature has shown that only nine cases of metastases from colon adenocarcinomas have been described. In general, the overall prognosis of patients with a secondary laryngeal tumor is poor, since involvement of the larynx by a distant tumor commonly occurs in the terminal phase of the primary disease process. As such, the aim of treatment frequently is only to improve the quality of life of the patient. We report a case of colon adenocarcinoma metastatic to the larynx and discuss the problems related to its pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

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Kaposi sarcoma is a tumour caused by human herpes virus 8, also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus. It usually affects the skin and oral mucosa; however, it can also sometimes affect the lungs, the liver, the stomach, the bowel, and lymph nodes. Several body sites may be affected simultaneously. The involvement of the tonsils is rare. We described an isolated localization of Kaposi's sarcoma of the right tonsil in a HIV-positive patient.

The aim of the study was to asses the anatomic and functional results and quality of life of a cohort of patients submitted to immediate reconstruction with the iliac osteomusculocutaneous free flap following composite resection for carcinoma of the oral cavity. Twelve patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were submitted to a single surgical procedure that included a segmental mandibulectomy in a composite resection, followed by primary reconstruction using a vascularized bone-containing free flap of the iliac crest. Reconstruction failed in one patient. Functional results as well as quality of life of 10/12 patients were evaluated using the Performance Status Scale and Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy General Scale questionnaires, appropriately modified for the pathology. The results were compared with those obtained in a group of five patients who underwent composite resection for oral carcinoma without mandibular reconstruction. Patients submitted to reconstruction noted a greater physical well being (score 22/78% vs. 16/53%; max. 28/100%), socio-family relationships (score 23/81% vs. 18/64%; max. 28/100%), emotional (score 18/90% vs. 14/70%; max. 20/100%) and general functional well-being (score 24/86% vs. 14/50%; max. 28/100%). Better recovery in functional mastication and swallowing was also observed (score 17/70% vs. 9/37%; max. 24/100%). A follow-up of longer than 6 months showed minimal donor site morbidity.