Primary synovial sarcoma is an unusual tumor of the head and neck. Fewer than 75 cases have been reported in the literature. We have treated 7 additional cases; 3 in the hypopharynx, 2 in the parapharyngeal space, 1 in the oral pharynx and 1 in the posterior triangle of the neck. An enlarging cervical mass, voice change, and dysphagia were among the presenting complaints. CT revealed solitary nonhomogenous tumors from 3 to 7 cm in diameter. Microscopically, all cases showed a biphasic cellular pattern verified by immunohistochemical staining. Multimodality treatment consisted of surgery and postoperative radiation therapy with 3 patients receiving chemotherapy. Although the original pathology report was incorrect in 3 cases, clinical suspicion for synovial sarcoma ensured proper diagnosis.

First branchial cleft cysts develop as a result of incomplete fusion of the cleft between the first and second branchial arches and give rise to two distinct anomalies, termed type I and type II anomalies. Type I anomalies are purely ectodermal while type II anomalies exhibit ectodermal and mesodermal elements. The type II anomaly incorporates some portion of the first and second arch as well as the cleft. Type I lesions are extremely rare. They appear histologically as cysts lined by squamous epithelium. Clinically, they present as a cystic mass or fistula posterior to the pinna and concha. The cyst is usually superior to the main trunk of the facial nerve and ends in a cul-de-sac on or near a bony plate at the level of the mesotympanum. Type II lesions are more numerous and represent a duplication of both membranous and cartilaginous portions of the external auditory canal. They contain skin as well as adnexal structures and cartilage and may be associated with the parotid gland. Most frequently they are associated with fistulae in the concha or external auditory canal as well as fistulous openings in the neck.

Reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, pharynx, and larynx does occur. This phenomenon can produce hoarseness, globus, dysphagia, otalgia and laryngospasm. It may be responsible for the appearance of contact granulomata, esophageal webs, and pachyderma. The key to reflux is the lower esophageal sphincter and the nature of the stomach contents. Multiple factors may be influential including those conditions causing aerophagia. The diagnosis of reflux depends on a high index of suspicion. Physical findings may reveal only subtle changes of arytenoid erythema. Thyrohyoid tenderness is not an infrequent sign. Treatment is usually simple, involving first elimination of those factors which increase intragastric pressure or lower the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Elevation of the head of the bed and antacids will often prevent further gastric insult to the pharynx and larynx and thus eliminate the patient's discomfort.

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