Athanasios Luca Fountarlis

Glomus tympanicum are benign tumors of vascular origin, arising from the neural crest cells and located on promontory. The treatment of choice is surgical excision of the lesion. Traditionally, it is performed under microscopic observation. With the introduction of endoscopes in the field of ear surgeries, an endoscopic approach has also evolved. Herein, we present case reports of three patients diagnosed with glomus tympanicum tumors who were operated on using an endoscopic approach. A review of the literature is also performed. The mass was completely excised in all patients, and there were no signs of recurrence at the follow-up at least a year later. Endoscopic ear surgery is a safe and effective method of managing glomus tympanicum tumors. Its main limitation is the tumor size; however, in most cases, tumors of stages I to II as per the Glasscock-Jackson classification and types A1 to B1 according to the modified Fisch-Mattox classification can be completely removed endoscopically. Careful preoperative selection of patients warrants the best outcomes.

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are congenital neck cysts, formed as a result of the failure of the thyroglossal duct to involute during embryogenesis and their mean size is 1.5-2.4 cm. We present a case of a 44-year-old male who presented with a history of a large anterior neck mass measuring 8.7x6x6.4 cm and causing dysphagia and mild dyspnea. After being mistaken for a goiter, a clinical diagnosis of TGDC was made based on history, clinical and radiographic findings. The patient was treated with sistrunk’s procedure. No recurrence was noted on follow-up. Thyroglossal duct cysts are generally well-defined small lesions, but even bigger ones are not linked with severe symptomatology. The larger size at presentation may increase the list of potential diagnoses and lead to diagnostic dilemmas. Every effort should be made to rule out malignancy before surgery. Sistrunk’s procedure with dissection of the posterior hyoid space should be the standard of care.

Sinonasal lobular capillary hemangiomas (LCH) are rare benign vascular lesions commonly arising from the nasal septum. Nasopharyngeal, nasal mid-turbinate, and anterior nasal swabbing is the preferred method of screening for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Herein, we present a case of a sinonasal LCH in a child after continuous self-tests for COVID-19, with an anterior nasal swab. The child presented with a well-defined red mass in the anterior part of the nasal septum, which was removed endoscopically. Histopathology revealed a LCH. This is the first report of a complication other than epistaxis with the use of an anterior nasal swab. Our literature review identified 32 studies reporting complications of COVID-19 screening. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks and foreign body retention are the most common ones. A proper specimen collection technique and a quick patient history with an emphasis on risk factors are the best practices to prevent complications from COVID-19 screening.