A 9-year review of our experience with head and neck metastases from 845 urogenital tract tumors of the kidney, prostate, bladder, testicle, spermatic cord, penis, urethra, and ureter was performed. Thirty-one (3.7%) of these tumors developed metastases to the cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes, scalp, thyroid gland, thyroid cartilage, parotid gland, retroorbit, mandible, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses. Unusual cases and a review of the literature are presented. The frequency of such metastases to the head and neck from various primaries, diagnostic application of current immunohistochemical methodology, and therapeutic alternatives are emphasized.

Involvement of the larynx and trachea by lymphoma is an uncommon problem that can cause life-threatening airway obstruction. High grade obstruction, involvement of the soft tissue of the neck, and tracheal deviation can make intubation and tracheotomy hazardous, if not impossible. Tracheotomy can be ineffective with obstruction of the distal trachea. The clinical presentation and treatment of eight patients with lymphoma involving the larynx or trachea are presented with emphasis on airway management. Dramatic tumor response with relief of airway symptoms was achieved with a regimen of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, helium-oxygen mixtures, humidity, and intensive care unit monitoring. Direct airway intervention, including tracheotomy, was usually successfully and safely avoided.

Stabilization of dentures or prostheses to the maxilla is necessary and desirable for trauma and maxillectomy patients. The use of screws from standard compression plating sets provides an inexpensive, simple, and well-tolerated means of achieving reliable fixation.