Lingual thyroid (LT) is a rare embryological anomaly and originates from failure of the thyroid gland to descend from the foramen cecum to its normal eutopic prelaryngeal site. Lingual thyroid is the most frequent ectopic location of the thyroid gland. Its clinical incidence varies between 1:4000 and 1:10000. The purpose of this case series was to discuss a series of cases of LT gland its incidence, clinical presentation, sex ratio, age group, endocrine status, radiological features and appropriate surgical approaches.

Six patients of LT were diagnosed who presented to our institution in a period of 6 months out of 225 thyroid cases, out of 14539 outpatient department (OPD) patients. The LT is often asymptomatic but may cause dysphagia, dysphonia with stomatolalia, upper airway obstruction and hemorrhage, often with hypothyroidism. Treatment of a LT depends on the severity of symptoms, the age of the patient, any precipitating factors, such as puberty or pregnancy.

Relevant demographic, clinic-pathological and radiological data were recorded. Four of six were treated conservatively. One underwent complete surgical excision and one pregnant lady in first trimester kept under observation and regular follow-up.

We found female predominance than male with ratio of 5:1. Our study had high prevalence of LT of 1:2400. Thyroid scintigraphy plays the most important role in diagnosing LT, but ultrasonography contributes as well. In cases of symptomatic disease, surgery is the treatment of choice, followed by radioiodine ablation and levothyroxine suppression therapy in more refractory cases.

Patil YS, Rajashekhar RP, Karodpati NS, Thomas J. Lingual Thyroid: A Case Series of Six Lingual Thy-roid with Incidence and Different Treatment Modalities. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):103-108.

Vascular anomalies are divided into vascular tumors, hemangiomas being the most common, and vascular malformations. Most vascular anomalies are noticed at birth or occur during infancy, and generally involve skin or subcutaneous soft tissues. Adult onset hemangiomas are rare, and intramuscular location is extremely rare. Surgical excision is recommended for hemangiomas in adults, if they are symptomatic, or manifest growth.

We report a rare case of a 51-year-old woman, with an intramuscular hemangioma of the tongue, presenting as a submental mass. Preoperative imaging for assessment of tumor extent was followed by a successful surgical excision.

Postoperative course was uneventful with primary healing of the wound, and with no functional deficit of tongue function.

Although a variety of treatment approaches are reported for childhood hemangiomas, surgical excision is the preferred treatment for adult onset symptomatic hemangiomas. Preoperative work up should include imaging preferably with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Embolization may be considered for larger lesions. Intraoperative hypotension should be avoided to ensure identification of the entire lesion to ensure complete excision.

Petrovic I, Roman B, Shah JP. Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tongue. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):109-111.

Singh D, Banjara H, Mungutwar V, Sarkar S, Singh S. Unusual Presentation of Hydatid Cyst in Cervical Region. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):112-114.

Sah BP, Shilpakar SL, Aryal B, Chettri ST, Pokharel A, Mishra S, Paudel D. Solitary Trichoepithelioma of Nose: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):115-117.

Endobronchial blood clot causing airway obstruction is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition and can occur in a variety of clinical settings.

A male laryngectomy, with a background of bronchogenic carcinoma was treated conservatively for tracheitis following an episode of upper respiratory tract infection. However, he later developed airway obstruction secondary to endobronchial bleeding with endobronchial clot formation. Conventional methods of suctioning and rigid bronchoscopy with forceps failed to remove the hematoma. A Fogarty embolec tomy catheter was used to remove the hematoma, relieving the airway obstruction.

The Fogarty embolectomy catheter has been widely used in various vascular operations for removal of arterial and venous emboli over the last years. However, its application in nonvascular cases is not widely published.

We report a case of tracheitis, complicated by an endobronchial clot in a laryngectomy patient, and demonstrated the use of Fogarty embolectomy catheter in such case when conventional methods fail.

Wong B. The use of a Fogarty Catheter in a Case of an Endobronchial Blood Clot in a Laryn gectomy Patient. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):118120.

Ashish G, Chandrasekharan R, Parmar H. A Rare Case of Sinonasal Extramedullary Plasmacytoma with Orbital Involvement. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015; 6(3):121-124.

We report a rare case of isolated parotid abscess due to Mycobacterium fortuitum in an immunocompetent adult female, which to the best of our knowledge (on internet search) is the first case of its type.

Diagnosis was based on MTBDR CM assay (Hain's) culture, followed by a positive TBAg MPT64 culture for MOTT. The patient was treated with abscess drainage and antibiotics with good results. A parotidectomy was not required in our patient.

Mycobacterium fortuitum parotid abscess is very rare. A knowledge of the pathogenicity of this organism and careful culture methods seem to be the key of accurate diagnosis. Treatment protocols are still subject to research.

Chhapola Shukla S, Matta I. Mycobacterium Fortuitum causing Isolated Parotid Abscess in an Immunocompetent Adult Female: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):125-127.