Early atmospheric contamination on the top of the Himalayas since the onset of the European Industrial Revolution.

Because few ice core records from the Himalayas exist, understanding of the onset and timing of the human impact on the atmosphere of the "roof of the world" remains poorly constrained. We report a continuous 500-y trace metal ice core record from the Dasuopu glacier (7,200 m, central Himalayas), the highest drilling site on Earth. We show that an early contamination from toxic trace metals, particularly Cd, Cr, Mo, Ni, Sb, and Zn, emerged at high elevation in the Himalayas at the onset of the European Industrial Revolution (∼1780 AD). This was amplified by the intensification of the snow accumulation (+50% at Dasuopu) likely linked to the meridional displacement of the winter westerlies from 1810 until 1880 AD. During this period, the flux and crustal enrichment factors of the toxic trace metals were augmented by factors of 2 to 4 and 2 to 6, respectively. We suggest this contamination was the consequence of the long-range transport and wet deposition of fly ash from the combustion of coal (likely from Western Europe where it was almost entirely produced and used during the 19th century) with a possible contribution from the synchronous increase in biomass burning emissions from deforestation in the Northern Hemisphere. The snow accumulation decreased and dry winters were reestablished in Dasuopu after 1880 AD when lower than expected toxic metal levels were recorded. This indicates that contamination on the top of the Himalayas depended primarily on multidecadal changes in atmospheric circulation and secondarily on variations in emission sources during the last 200 y.

Association of DNA repair genes polymorphisms and mutations with increased risk of head and neck cancer: a review.

DNA repair mechanisms allow maintain genomic stability and proper functioning within the cells. Any aberrations may cause an increased risk of many diseases such as cancer. The most crucial risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are behavioral factors, predominantly chronic exposure to tobacco, alcohol addiction, and infection with human papillomavirus or Epstein-Barr virus. These agents can induce DNA damage; therefore, cells must activate appropriate mechanisms in order to function correctly. Cancer cells are marked with genomic instability, which is associated with a greater tendency for the accumulation of a DNA damage and increased chemo- and radioresistance. Multiple studies have assessed the correlation of increased head and neck cancer (HNC) risk with polymorphism in the DNA repair genes. However, they suggest that interaction of DNA repair genes mutations with susceptibility to HNC depends on a patient's race and risk factors, especially tobacco smoking. Further identification of these sequence variations must be performed. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about the DNA repair genes mutations and polymorphisms associated with the high risk of head and neck treatment.

Central Tibetan Plateau atmospheric trace metals contamination: A 500-year record from the Puruogangri ice core.

A ~500-year section of ice core (1497-1992) from the Puruogangri ice cap has been analyzed at high resolution for 28 trace elements (TEs: Ag, Al, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V and Zn) to assess different atmospheric contributions to the ice and provide a temporal perspective on the diverse atmospheric influences over the central Tibetan Plateau (TP). At least two volcanic depositions have significantly impacted the central TP over the past 500years, possibly originating from the Billy Mitchell (1580, Papua New Guinea) and the Parker Peak (1641, Philippines) eruptions. A decreasing aeolian dust input to the ice cap allowed the detection of an atmospheric pollution signal. The anthropogenic pollution contribution emerges in the record since the early 1900s (for Sb and Cd) and increases substantially after 1935 (for Ag, Zn, Pb, Cd and Sb). The metallurgy (Zn, Pb and steel smelting) emission products (Cd, Zn, Pb and Ag) from the former Soviet Union and especially from central Asia (e.g., Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) likely enhanced the anthropogenic deposition to the Puruogangri ice cap between 1935 and 1980, suggesting that the westerlies served as a conveyor of atmospheric pollution to central Tibet. The impact of this industrial pollution cumulated with that of the hemispheric coal and gasoline combustion which are respectively traced by Sb and Pb enrichment in the ice. The Chinese steel production accompanying the Great Leap Forward (1958-1961) and the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) is proposed as a secondary but proximal source of Pb pollution affecting the ice cap between 1958 and 1976. The most recent decade (1980-1992) of the enrichment time series suggests that Puruogangri ice cap recorded the early Sb, Cd, Zn, Pb and Ag pollution originating from developing countries of South (i.e., India) and East (i.e., China) Asia and transported by the summer monsoonal circulation.

Clinical value of monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous group of malignant tumours that affects over 500,000 patients per year. Treatment failure is generally due to the heterogeneity of these tumours and to the serious adverse effects associated with treatment. Immunological system impairment, which is common in HNSCC, further contributes to treatment failure by mediating tumour escape mechanisms. To date, the only clinically approved targeted therapy agent is cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to, and inhibits, epidermal growth factor receptor, which is widely overexpressed in HNSCC. Cetuximab has been proven to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, further magnifying its therapeutic effect. DNA sequencing of HNSCC cells has identified the presence of mutated genes, thus making their protein products potential targets for therapeutic inhibition. Immune mechanisms have been found to have a significant impact on carcinogenesis, thus providing the rationale to support efforts to identify anticancer compounds with immunomodulatory properties. In the context of the rapid development of novel targeted agents, the aim of the present paper is to review our current understanding of HNSCC and to review the novel anticancer agents (mAbs and TKIs) introduced in recent years, including an assessment of their efficacy and mechanisms of action.

The role of otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeon's in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid gland is an integral part of the neck region. In the topographic anatomy of the head and neck the gland is located in the middle triangle of the neck. Therefore, it is an organ which is also subject for diagnostic and treatment by otorhinolaryngologists - head and neck surgeons. Material and methods The study group consists of 50 patients aged from 22 to 76 years (mean 48). All patients were treated for suspected thyroid tumor. The ratio of women to men was 35:15. In all patients the same panel of diagnostic tests was used including: endocrinologic consultation, ENT examination with stroboscopic examination with assessment of vocal cord mobility, neck ultrasound examination to assess the thyroid gland and lymph nodes. Results In 50 patients following surgical methods were used: total resection of the thyroid - 28 patients (56%), resection of one lobe of the thyroid - 17 (34%), open biopsy - 6 (12%) patients. In 5 cases tracheotomy was performed. In the case of malignancy (excluding unresctable lesions - 6 patients) selective lymph node dissection of the neck was performed (field III, IV, VI) - 11 patients (22%). Discussion Results of surgical treatment (relative to the percentage damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve) achieved by head and neck surgeons are at levels comparable or higher compared to the results achieved by general surgeons - 1.3% for primary benign lesions (Enomoto et al.).

Compaction of isolated Escherichia coli nucleoids: Polymer and H-NS protein synergetics.

Escherichia coli nucleoids were compacted by the inert polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the presence of the H-NS protein. The protein by itself appears to have little impact on the size of the nucleoids as determined by fluorescent microscopy. However, it has a significant impact on the nucleoidal collapse by PEG. This is quantitatively explained by assuming the H-NS protein enhances the effective diameter of the DNA helix leading to an increase in the depletion forces induced by the PEG. Ultimately, however, the free energy of the nucleoid itself turns out to be independent of the H-NS concentration. This is because the enhancement of the supercoil excluded volume is negligible. The experiments on the nucleoids are corroborated by dynamic light scattering and EMSA analyses performed on DNA plasmids in the presence of PEG and H-NS.

Photodynamic therapy in palliative treatment of head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck cancers account for about 6% of all malignant tumors. Head and neck cancers are responsible for about 650,000 new cases and approximately 260,000 deaths in the world annually. About 50% of patients fail to achieve cure or relapse of cancer occurs despite intensive combined treatment. A small number of patients is eligible for re-treatment, and for most of them symptomatic treatment is used. Photodynamic therapy(PDT) may be an alternative these patients. PDT improves the quality of life in patients who are at the stage of the disease recognized as incurable according to present knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study group consisted of three patients treated in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery in Poznan due to recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients were qualified to the palliative PDT ( Photodynamic therapy)with Foscan. when other possibilities of treatment have been used up. RESULTS: Two patients achieved a partial response (PR) by RECIST criteria. One patient achieved disease stabilization (SD). DISCUSSION: Photodynamic therapy is a therapeutic option in the palliative treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The careful qualification of the patients for this type of treatment is very important. One should take into account the location of the tumor and its size. Great advantage of photodynamic therapy is that it can be used repeatedly. Treatment with photodynamic therapy should be performed in specialized centers because of the need of adequate technical facilities. PDT may improve the quality of life of selected patients with incurable cancer of the head and neck.

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in young adults: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a disease of middle-aged to elderly adults. However, an increased incidence of HNSCC in young people under 45 years of age has been reported recently. In the present review, we focused on the epidemiology and aetiology of HNSCC in adults under 45 years of age. METHODS: We reviewed literature related to HNSCC in adult patients less than 45 years of age and discussed current treatment options and prognosis. RESULTS: HNSCC in young adults is associated with a higher incidence rate in nonsmokers, lower female-to-male ratio, a higher percentage of oral cavity and oropharynx tumours, and fewer second primary tumours. However, aside from traditional risk factors of tobacco and alcohol exposure, the causes of these cancers in young adults remain unclear. Agents that might contribute to risk include infection with high-risk human papillomavirus subtypes as well as genetic factors or immunodeficiency status. The expected increase in incidence and mortality of the young with HNSCC may become a major public health concern if current trends persist, particularly lifestyle habits that may contribute to this disease. CONCLUSIONS: Given the younger age and potential long-term adverse sequelae of traditional HNSCC treatments, young adults should be treated on a case-by-case basis and post-therapy quality of life must be considered in any treatment-decision making process.

[The expression assessment of the estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors in selected malignant tumors of the salivary glands]. / Ocena ekspresji receptora estrogenowego, progesteronowego i receptora HER2 w wybranych nowotworach zlosliwych slinianek.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of the malignant tumors of the salivary glands is relatelively low. However, rapid locoregional progression, distant metastases occurrence and high local recurrence rate occurring despite radical surgical treatment, significantly affect the outcome. Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are characterized by low radiosensitivity and poor response to systemic therapy. Therefore there is a need for new targeted therapies which may improve the prognosis. In some aspects, malignant tumors of the salivary glands are similar to breast cancers. Efficacy of hormonal replacement therapy and the treatment with the monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab) in the treatment of breast cancer is well known and confirmed. Criterion determining the qualification for treatment is the presence of hormone receptors and HER2 receptors in the tumor. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 in selected salivary gland malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study group consisted of 51 patients with the salivary glands cancer. In the study group there were 42 tumors in the parotid gland, 7 tumors of the submandibular gland, 1 in the mucosa of the cheek and 1 tumor in the tongue. Histologically material comprised of muco-epidermoid carcinoma (10), adenoid-cystic carcinoma (8), salivary duct (7), adenocarcinoma (6), squamous cell carcinoma (6), mioepithelial carcinoma (5) and other (9). In all cases immunohistochemical analysis of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 receptor was performed. RESULTS: The expression of the estrogen receptor was found in 18% of tumors (9 patients). The expression of the progesterone receptor was found in 20% (10 patients). HER2 expression was found in 10% of tumors and was related to only one histological type of tumor - salivary duct carcinoma. CONCLUSION: HER2 expression in malignant tumors of the salivary glands, especially in salivary duct carcinoma may be of use in future implementation of new targeted therapies based on monoclonal antibodies.

[The role of the multidisciplinary team in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with laryngeal and hypopharynx cancer]. / Rola zespolu interdyscyplinarnego w diagnostyce i leczeniu chorych z nowotworami krtani i gardla dolnego.

INTRODUCTION: In Poland the annual incidence of cancer of the larynx is about 3,000 cases which accounts 2% of all malignant tumors. Results of treatment of head and neck cancers are still unsatisfactory (five-year survival - 50%). In order to improve the outcome in Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2010 a multidisciplinary team was created which is involved in the individual qualification of each patient to the best form of therapy. AIM: The aim of the publication is to evaluate the work of the multidisciplinary team in the diagnostic, therapeutic, and post-operative follow-up of patients with larynx and hypopharynx cancer treated in Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2007-2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis included 558 patients (84% men, 16% women) aged 38-82 years who were treated in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery Greater Poland Cancer Centre in the years 2007 to 2012 because of cancer of larynx and hypopharynx. Patients were divided into two groups - the first consisted of patients qualified without the cooperation of the multidisciplinary team - 312 patients (56%), the second - patients qualified with help of the multidisciplinary team - 246 patients (44%). In the two groups of patients evaluated were: mean time required for the implementation of additional tests and specialist consultations before treatment, the average time from the appearance of the patient to the start of treatment, the distribution of qualifications to specific forms of therapy. RESULTS: Evaluating type of treatment administered after the establishment of the team noticed were an increase by 11% the number of patients treated with surgery. There has been a reduction in the time between the appearance of the patient at the clinic and the start of treatment and reduce the waiting time for diagnostic imaging and specialist consultations. It was also an increase in the number of regular check-ups and a decrease in the number of patients who stopped visits. CONCLUSION: The work of the multidisciplinary team improves the effectiveness of treatment by optimizing the process of preparation and organization, and finally by contributing knowledge and experience in decision-making. His creation results in benefits for the patient, his family and the medical staff. Qualification for the most optimal treatment within the multidisciplinary team should be used in all patients with cancer of the head and neck.

Plastic as a carrier of POPs to aquatic organisms: a model analysis.

It has been hypothesized that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in microplastic may pose a risk to aquatic organisms. Here we develop and analyze a conceptual model that simulates the effects of plastic on bioaccumulation of POPs. The model accounts for dilution of exposure concentration by sorption of POPs to plastic (POP "dilution"), increased bioaccumulation by ingestion of plastic-containing POPs ("carrier"), and decreased bioaccumulation by ingestion of clean plastic ("cleaning"). The model is parametrized for the lugworm Arenicola marina and evaluated against recently published bioaccumulation data for this species from laboratory bioassays with polystyrene microplastic. Further scenarios include polyethylene microplastic, nanosized plastic, and open marine systems. Model analysis shows that plastic with low affinity for POPs such as polystyrene will have a marginal decreasing effect on bioaccumulation, governed by dilution. For stronger sorbents such as polyethylene, the dilution, carrier, and cleaning mechanism are more substantial. In closed laboratory bioassay systems, dilution and cleaning dominate, leading to decreased bioaccumulation. Also in open marine systems a decrease is predicted due to a cleaning mechanism that counteracts biomagnification. However, the differences are considered too small to be relevant from a risk assessment perspective.

Effects of microplastic on fitness and PCB bioaccumulation by the lugworm Arenicola marina (L.).

It has been speculated that marine microplastics may cause negative effects on benthic marine organisms and increase bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Here, we provide the first controlled study of plastic effects on benthic organisms including transfer of POPs. The effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastic on survival, activity, and bodyweight, as well as the transfer of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were assessed in bioassays with Arenicola marina (L.). PS was pre-equilibrated in natively contaminated sediment. A positive relation was observed between microplastic concentration in the sediment and both uptake of plastic particles and weight loss by A. marina. Furthermore, a reduction in feeding activity was observed at a PS dose of 7.4% dry weight. A low PS dose of 0.074% increased bioaccumulation of PCBs by a factor of 1.1-3.6, an effect that was significant for ΣPCBs and several individual congeners. At higher doses, bioaccumulation decreased compared to the low dose, which however, was only significant for PCB105. PS had statistically significant effects on the organisms' fitness and bioaccumulation, but the magnitude of the effects was not high. This may be different for sites with different plastic concentrations, or plastics with a higher affinity for POPs.

Characterization of Escherichia coli nucleoids released by osmotic shock.

Nucleoids were isolated by osmotic shock from Escherichia coli spheroplasts at relatively low salt concentrations and in the absence of detergents. Sucrose-protected cells, made osmotically sensitive by growth in the presence of ampicillin or by digestion with low lysozyme concentrations (50-5 µg/ml), were shocked by 100-fold dilution of the sucrose buffer. Liberated nucleoids stained with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride hydrate (DAPI), the dimeric cyanine dye TOTO-1, or fluorescent DNA-binding protein appeared as cloud-like structures, in the absence of phase contrast. Because UV-irradiation disrupted the DAPI-stained nucleoids within 5-10 s, they were imaged by time-lapse microscopy with exposure times less than 2 s. The volume of nucleoids isolated from ampicillin- or low-lysozyme spheroplasts and minimally exposed to UV (<2 s) was on average ∼42 µm(3). Lysozyme at concentrations above 1 µg/ml in the lysate compacted the nucleoids. Treatment with protease E or K (20-200 µg/ml) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS; 0.001-0.01%) caused a twofold volume increase and showed a granular nucleoid at the earliest UV-exposure; the expansion could be reversed with 50 µM ethidium bromide, but not with chloroquine. While DNase (1 µg/ml) caused a rapid disruption of the nucleoids, RNase (0.1-400 µg/ml) had no effect. DAPI-stained nucleoids treated with protease, SDS or DNase consisted of granular substructures at the earliest exposure similar to UV-disrupted nucleoids obtained after prolonged (>4 s) UV irradiation. We interpret the measured volume in terms of a physical model of the nucleoid viewed as a branched DNA supercoil crosslinked by adhering proteins into a homogeneous network.

[Diagnostic difficulties of the patient with sinonasal tract tumor; therapeutic dilemmas - a case report and up to date review]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne chorego z guzem masywu szczekowo-sitowego; dylematy terapeutyczne - opis przypadku.

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignancy unique to the sinonasal tract. It arises from the olfactory epithelium and has a tendency to originate from one side of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses with frequent extension into the cranial cavity and orbit. There is a bimodal age distribution between 11 and 20 years and between 51 and 60 years. ENB accounts for approximately 2-3% of intranasal cancers. Due to the non-specific nature of the initial presentation and slow growth of the tumor, patients often have a long history before diagnosis. Physicians including pathologists are not always aware of distinctive features of ENB especially radiographic, histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics. Additional difficulty can be the fact that Esthesioneuroblastoma can histologically mimic many tumors within the sinonasal tract. We report on a 38-year-old male patient with a Kadish stage C tumor with frontal lobe invasion. The patient underwent a craniofacial resection with a combined head neck and neurosurgeon team. After the surgery postoperative radiotherapy was used. The aim of this study is to present the natural history of the malignancy, the diagnostic process, treatment and prognosis, based on the literature review.

Value of intraoperative ultrasonography in tonsil cancer.

BACKGROUND: The exact assessment of a tonsil carcinoma's size is often difficult because of the tumour's submucosal extension and deep infiltration. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography in tonsil cancer. MATERIAL: Twenty patients with carcinoma of the tonsil were included in the study (squamous cell carcinoma keratosis - 12, squamous cell carcinoma akeratosis - 6, diffuse large B cell lymphoma - 1, neoplasma malignum microcellulare - 1). METHOD: Transcutaneous, endoscopic, and intraoperative ultrasonography were performed using a linear 7.5 MHz probe. RESULTS: The difference in the results was statistically significant between palpation examination and intraoperative ultrasonographic examination, between transcutaneous ultrasonographic examination and intraoperative ultrasonographic examination, and between endoscopic ultrasonographic examination and intraoperative ultrasonographic examination in tonsil tumours. Generally, tumour size assessed by intraoperative ultrasonography was more advanced than those assessed by other methods. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative ultrasonography is a safe, non-invasive method, which can be repeated at every stage of surgery. There were no contraindications or side effects. In all cases histological margins corresponded to sonographic margins. Intraoperative ultrasonography provides a quick and reliable orientation during resection of tonsil carcinoma.

[Reconstruction of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus with gastric pull-up technique in the patient with recurrence carcinoma of the hypopharynx]. / Rekonstrukcja czessci szyjnej przelyku technika gastric pull-up w przebiegu wznowy raka gardla dolnego i krtani.

Patient with hypopharyngeal cancer are difficult to treat because they usually present with advanced disease, poor general health status and severe nutritional problems. Because of the poor prognosis, careful consideration has to be given regarding the choice of the correct surgical approach for respirato-digestive tract reconstruction. The authors present a case of recurrent hypopharyngeal cancer with cervical esophagus infiltration successfully treated with total laryngectomy and esophagectomy and gastric pull up reconstruction. Indications for technique, method of reconstruction and complications are, discussed. As most authors we consider the gastric transposition method as the preferred approach to restore digestive continuity after total esophagectomy. As the method is the single stage procedure it provides the best palliation of dysphagia and allows early resumption of an oral diet.

Proxies and measurement techniques for mineral dust in Antarctic ice cores.

To improve quantitative interpretation of ice core aeolian dust records, a systematic methodological comparison was made. This involved methods for water-insoluble particle counting (Coulter counter and laser-sensing particle detector), soluble ion analysis (ion chromatography and continuous flow analysis), elemental analysis (inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy at pH 1 and after full acid digestion), and water-insoluble elemental analysis (proton induced X-ray emission). Antarctic ice core samples covering the last deglaciation from the EPICA Dome C (EDC) and the EPICA Dronning Maud Land (EDML) cores were used. All methods correlate very well among each other, but the ratios of glacial age to Holocene concentrations, which are typically a factor approximately 100, differ between the methods by up to a factor of 2 with insoluble particles showing the largest variability. The recovery of ICP-MS measurements depends on the digestion method and is differentfor different elements and during different climatic periods. EDC and EDML samples have similar dust composition, which suggests a common dust source or a common mixture of sources for the two sites. The analyzed samples further reveal a change of dust composition during the last deglaciation.

[The role of immunohistochemical staining (protein p53, cyclin D1) in the prognosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma salivary gland tumors]. / Rola badan immunohistochemicznych (bialka p53, cykliny D1) w prognozowaniu raka gruczolowato-torbielowatego (carcinoma adenoides cysticum) slinianek.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands (carcinoma adenoides cysticum) is malignant epithelial tumor of rare occurrence. Tumor of this kind has among salivary glands tumors uncertain prognosis and unpredictable course. The aim of the study was to characterize the patient population and the immunohistochemical analyses (p53 protein, cyclin D1). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined group consisted of 30 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands. The expression of p53 protein and D1 cyclin in the tumor was evaluated and the correlation between these proteins and the organ and clinical grading was defined. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical studies showed in 70% the positive staining for p53 protein and 90% for cyclin D1. There was not statistically significant difference between the advanced grading of the organic and clinical adenoid cystic carcinoma.

[Correlation between ultrastructural changes and the presence of metastases in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands]. / Badania ultrastrukturalne a wystepowanie przerzutów w wezlach chlonnych w raku gruczolowato-torbielowatym slinianek.

Adenoid-cystic carcinoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasm which has different histological types. Still, an open question is, whether adenoid-cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands with metastases to lympho nodes and specific micro- and macroscopic features, allows us to define their progression. A group of 46 patients with adenoid-cystic cancer of the salivary glands was studied and was subjected to histological and ultrastructural assessment. In analysed group in 12 patient metastases to lympho nodes were confirmed. In 10 cases it was solid type of tumour and in 2 canaliculars type. In tumours with metastases to lympho nodes solid types prevailed and there was no a typical cribriform type. In all cases they were found fields of mixted texture of the tumours structure.