The described expression pattern indicates roles for cell proliferation in the growth of the inner ear and Bcl-2 in differentiation of sensorineural fields and protection from apoptosis. Both IGF-1-and caspase-3-mediated apoptosis seem to contribute to proper morphogenesis, differentiation, and innervations of sensorineural fields within the cochlea, semicircular canals, saccule, and utricle. Alterations in spatiotemporal interplay of investigated factors might lead to disturbances of vestibular and cochlear function.

To assess the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) correlation with histopathologic and clinical characteristics of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the impact of EGFR overexpression on patient survival. This retrospective study included 185 SCC patients treated at Clinical Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Split University Hospital Center between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009. A statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) was recorded between the level of EGFR expression and SCC histopathologic grade, stage, metastasizing potential, relapsing potential, and patient survival. Kaplan-Meier survival curve yielded a statistically significant difference (χ(2) = 75.05; p < 0.001) among the four patient groups with different levels of EGFR expression. The higher the level of EGFR expression, the poorer is the patient prognosis and survival. In our study, expression of EGFR as a biomarker showed a potential predictive value in laryngeal SCC.

IntroductionOsteoblastoma is an uncommon benign bone tumor that accounts for 1 percent of all primary bone tumors. About 30 to 40 percent of all osteoblastoma cases involve the spine. Osteoblastoma involving the nasal cavity is rare, with only 11 reported cases in the English-language literature, while only four cases of turbinate osteoblastoma have been described.Case presentationWe report an unusual case of middle turbinate osteoblastoma associated with right-sided nasal obstruction and severe headache in a 14-year-old Caucasian girl. The tumor involved the right middle turbinate, complete anterior and incomplete posterior ethmoidal cells, and the frontal sinus ostium. Cribriform lamina was, in the most part, consumed by the tumor growth, while the skull base was mostly of normal bone structure.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of middle turbinate osteoblastoma with intracranial spread. Surgical treatment is the only therapeutic option for osteoblastoma.

The incidence of primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage in our study population was 2.5 per cent. Avoiding tonsillectomy during cyclonic weather conditions may reduce the incidence of primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.

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