Background: This study reports on our local incidence of minor salivary gland tumours (MSGT).Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study including all patients with MSGT treated at Tygerberg Hospital from 2015 to 2024.Results: Benign and malignant tumours’ incidence was almost equal at 46.46% and 53.54%, respectively (N = 99). Pleomorphic adenomas were the most common tumour overall (38.38%) and the most common benign tumour. Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) was the most common malignant tumour (15.15%). The palate was the most common site. Primary sites other than lips and palate had a 93.23% malignant incidence. Benign tumours occurred statistically significantly in younger patients than malignant tumours (p 0.001) (42.74 years versus 56.02 years).Conclusion: We did not see the high malignant incidence that is frequently reported in otorhinolaryngology textbooks. Pleomorphic adenomas remain the most common and occur most commonly in the palate. We did show an unusually high incidence of PLGA. Primary sites other than palate and lips should raise the suspicion of malignant MSGT.Contribution: The study highlights the importance of reporting on local data because disease patterns may vary greatly based on genetic and geographical differences. Further investigation is needed to explain possible local factors contributing to the high incidence of PLGA.

Bilateral acute hearing loss is rare, and the aetiology is poorly defined. Less common treatable pathologies such as otosyphilis must be part of the differential diagnosis and should be actively excluded. We present a case of a 23-year-old woman who developed acute bilateral hearing loss due to otosyphilis, confirmed on audiometry and laboratory tests. In this article, the CT, MRI and clinical findings are presented and discussed.

This case report presents the clinical evaluation of an 11-year-old boy with a unilateral polypoid nasal mass causing nasal obstruction, facial asymmetry, and intermittent epistaxis. His clinical picture raised concerns of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma; however, further imaging and histopathological evaluation ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Although this patient was younger in age than those traditionally associated with AFRS, classical features present on both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aided in his diagnosis and management. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach when evaluating unilateral sinonasal masses in paediatric patients, specifically in atypical presentations where the diagnosis of AFRS may not initially be considered. It highlights the critical role of imaging as a diagnostic tool, specifically CT and MRI, which were pivotal in the work-up and management of this case. Additionally, the need for caution during biopsies of sinonasal masses in children is emphasised, as there is potential for catastrophic bleeding in vascularised masses such as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. This case demonstrates that AFRS can occur in younger children, highlighting the need to include this in the differential diagnosis, even in patients outside of the traditionally described age group.

The South African Journal of Oncology is a peer-reviewed on-line journal which publishes high quality articles on all aspects of oncology. The Editorial Board strongly supports a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care research as well as translational research in oncology.