Basal cell papilloma are benign neoplastic lesion affecting skin, oral mucosa, trunk and genital organs. However it is uncommon to originate in the external auditory canal.We present a 32-year old female presented with otalgia, reduced hearing and bleeding intermittently from the left ear. Clinically it showed multilobulated, blackish mass obliterating the external auditory canal. The mass was friable and bleed to touch. Excision biopsy was done under general anaesthesia and she had uneventful recovery. The histopathology reported as seborrhoeic keratosis or Bbasal cell papilloma. No dysplasia or malignancy seen. In conclusion, basal cell papilloma of the external auditory canal is rare and complete excision of the lesion ensures good outcome and recovery.

Durian is known as the king of fruits. Its seed is an uncommon foreign body impaction on the larynx. A 23-year-old male alleged that durian seed stuck in the throat while eating. He was having difficulty breathing with bouts of coughing. He had a failed Heimlich manoeuvre and rushed to emergency department and subsequently the seed expelled after bouts of violent coughing. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy was done and showed the arytenoids was swollen, erythematous laryngeal surface of the epiglottis, inflamed inner surface of right anterior and left true chords, ventricles and the false chords. Close observation with intravenous dexamethasone and intravenous antibiotic is paramount in managing the patient. Durian seed impaction on the larynx is rare. This case report showed the function of the larynx as the protective or the watch dog for any foreign body. The endoscopic findings highly suggestive the lodgement of the foreign body on the laryngeal inlet and the appropriate treatment is important in managing such cases.

One of the most common insect poisoning is bee sting. It can produce local symptoms such as pain, redness, and fever following a local pain. Rarely, anaphylaxis, myocardial infarction, organ failure, epilepsy and other neurological diseases have been reported. Lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy is one of the common diseases of the Otorhinolaryngology clinic. Although it is usually idiopathic, trauma and tumors are the two most common causes. Usually, it is diagnosed clinically and the grade of palsy is based on House Brackmann Classification. We present a case of left Bell’s palsy due to bee sting. A 21-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic for persistent incomplete eye closure for two weeks duration. Upon further history, he complained that prior to the left sided facial weakness he was stung by a bee the night before on his left toe and developed the facial weakness when he woke up in the morning. He did not get immediate treatment. Clinically he had Grade III left lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy. Other ear, nose and throat examinations were unremarkable. He was treated with oral steroid and eye care. One week upon follow up, his facial weakness was completely resolved.

Rhinoliths are uncommon nasal masses. They are mineralized masses found within the nasal cavity. Their clinical presentation can be varied. We presented a 37-year-old lady with previous history of lymphoma presented with 6 months history of left sided nasal blockage associated with purulent nasal discharge and cacosmia. Rigid nasoendoscopy showed irregular hard mass along the floor of nasal cavity. Computed tomography (CT) scan was performed and showed left intranasal mass with calcification. Subsequently the rhinolith was removed endoscopically under general anesthesia. Unusual foreign body was found within the rhinolith. Following the removal, she had uneventful recovery. This case has to be treated carefully as with previous history of lymphoma it might suggest recurrence. However, it also illustrates the importance of rigid nasoendoscopy and the radiological assessment in establishing the diagnosis and management of rhinolith

Background/Aims: Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, is mentioned 27 times in the Holy Quran and is considered a prophetic food. Islamic scripture together with Jewish and Christian holy texts refers to date palm fruit as having many beneficial effects on health including medicinal properties. This study aims to characterize scientific studies on date palm fruit relating to human health in published scientific literature. Methods: Five major scientific databases of published literature were searched for papers relating to the effects of date palm on human health. A scientometric analysis was then performed on the studies obtained. Results: Analysis of 270 relevant papers revealed a lack of human subject studies despite numerous papers reporting beneficial nutritional properties and promising results from animal studies. Saudi Arabia leads global research output on this topic. Conclusion: Further research should be supported to advance knowledge useful to local populations, especially in Islamic countries where the widely accessible date palm fruit can confer many potential health benefits.