Introduction. Plasmacytomas are malignant tumors characterized by abnormal monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells. They originate in either bone - solitary osseous plasmacytoma, or in soft tissue - extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP). EMP represents less than 1% of all head and neck malignancies. Case report. We presented a case of EMP of the nasal septum in a 44-year-old male who had progressive difficulty in breathing through the nose and frequent heavy epistaxis on the right side. Nasal endoscopy showed dark red, soft, polypoid tumor in the last third of the right nasal cavity arising from the nasal septum. The biopsy showed that it was plasmacytoma. Bence Jones protein in the urine, serum electrophoresis, bone marrow biopsy, skeletal survey and other screening tests failed to detect multiple myeloma. This confirmed the diagnosis of EMP. The mass was completely removed via an endoscopic approach, and then, 4 week later, radiotherapy was conducted with a radiation dose of 50 Gray. No recurrence was noted in a 3-year follow- up period. Conclusion. EMP of the nasal cavity, being rare and having long natural history, represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for any ear, nose and throat surgeon. Depending on the resectability of the lesion, a combined therapy is the accepted treatment.

The continuous evolution of cancer biology has led to the discovery of mammaglobin, a potential novel biomarker for breast carcinoma. This review aims to unravel the enigmatic aspects of mammaglobin and elucidate its potential role in redefining the paradigm of breast carcinoma biomarkers. We will thoroughly examine its expression in tumoral and peritumoral tissues and its circulating levels in the blood, thereby providing insights into its possible function in cancer progression and metastasis. Furthermore, the potential application of mammaglobin as a non-invasive diagnostic tool and a target for personalized treatment strategies will be discussed. Given the increasing incidence of breast carcinoma worldwide, the exploration of novel biomarkers such as mammaglobin is crucial in advancing our diagnostic capabilities and treatment modalities, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Purpose: Persistent symptoms of chronic otitis media cause limitations in daily routine and social interactions, influencing significantly patients’ quality of life and mental health. The purpose of the study was to assess the intensity depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in patients with chronic otitis media and to examine if patient demographic data, characteristics and reported symptoms of otitis influence reported depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Material and methods: The study included 316 adult patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral chronic otitis media with or without cholesteatoma. Patients underwent a complete otological, audiological and radiological assessment. Chronic otitis media questionnaire 12 (COMQ-12) was used to assess the impact of COM and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) was used for depression, anxiety and stress assessment. Results: Some level of anxiety and stress were detected in 70.57% 49.37% of the patients, respectively. 13.29% of the patients had scores indicating depression disorder. The mean value of the COMQ-12 questionnaire for this group of patients was 26.24 (SD±11.47) More intense symptoms of COM were significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher scores on DASS-21 subscales. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that significant positive predictors of higher anxiety scores were pure tone average (PTA) on better and worse hearing ear (p<0.05). Drainage from the ear, hearing problems at home and tinnitus were significant positive predictors of a higher DASS-depression score. (p<0.05) Conclusion: The study confirmed positive correlation between reported level of anxiety, depression and stress, severity of COM symptoms and quality of life. Level of hearing on the better and worse hearing ear were significant positive predictors of anxiety and stress in patients with COM.

Background. The incidence of hearing loss is constantly increasing and according to the World Health Organization, by 2050, 900 million people will suffer from hearing loss. The main Objective of the study was to determine the differences between the severity of the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in participants with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional aim was to examine the extent and manner in which protective face masks impact the communication of people with hearing loss. Matrials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 160 patients (81 men and 79 women) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patients’ age range was 50 to 80 years. Depending on the degree of hearing loss or pure-tone threshold, the participants were divided into four groups: mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss and profound hearing loss. The research used the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a questionnaire in which the participants reported whether surgical face masks (medical three-layer masks) worn by speakers makes communication difficult, to what extent and in what way. Results: The average age of the patients was 67.97 ± 8.16. A significant correlation was found between the degree of hearing loss and communication difficulties caused by the use of protective face masks (p < 0.001). For patients with severe and profound hearing loss, communication is significantly more difficult (50.0% and 45.0% respectively) when the interlocutor wears a face mask. There is a significant correlation between the degree of hearing loss and the way in which communication is made more difficult when the interlocutor wears a face mask (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the degrees of hearing loss in all measured subscales: stress (p = 0.024), anxiety (p = 0.026) and depression (p = 0.016). Conclusions: We have determined that face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hamper communication among the study groups (p = 0.007) and there is a significant correlation between the degree of sensorineural hearing loss and the presence of symptoms in all three DASS-21 subscales, meaning that the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression were more intense in severe and profound hearing loss.

Introduction. During the past two decades, tuberculosis (TBC) both pulmonary and extrapulmonary, has emerged to be a major health problem. Nasal tuberculosis is a specific inflammatory process which is, in most cases, joined by the inflammation of neck lymph nodes. Case report. Thirty-yearold man presented with shortness of breath through the nose and periodical headaches. Clinical examination showed signs of chronic rhinitis, with slight granular changes of nasal septal mucosa. Laboratory analyses were within the reference ranges. Nasal and throat swabs for bacteria and fungi were normal. Skin allergy testing to standard inhalatory allergens was positive. Computer rhinomanometry showed increased nasal resistance at medium difficulty level, on the right. Radiography of paranasal sinuses indicated chronic polysinusitis on the right. Anti-allergy therapy was prescribed. The patient came for checkup after a month with subjective deterioration and a neck tumefact on the right. Nasal endoscopy revealed the presence of dark red infiltrates with the 3 mm diameter on nasal septal mucosa, dominantly on the right, with small greyish nodules. This findings indicated a potential specific nasal inflammatory process. In the upper jugulodigastric area, on the left, painless tumefact 3 x 5 cm in size was palpated, it was mobile comparing to supra- and infrastructure, with unaltered skin above. The definite diagnosis was established on the basis of the results of nasal mucosa biopsy. After histopathological diagnosis was obtained, we started with antituberculosis therapy at once. Conclusion. Due to actual trends of TBC incidences, otolaryngologist should have in mind nasal TBC, when granulomatose lesions are found in nose.