Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Disorders a ff ecting the ear, nose and sinus are common reasons for primary care attendance; however, few surgeons will encounter such diseases in day-to-day practice. Nonethe less, traumatic, infective and neoplastic processes can impact on these organs and their anatomical proximity to critical anatomical structures demands a basic understanding in order to e ffi ciently diagnose, refer and treat conditions. A full and detailed review of the management of ear and nose conditions is beyond the scope of this text. Instead, the aim of this chapter is to familiarise the reader with the basic anatomy and pathol ogy relevant to patients who present with conditions a ff ecting the ear, nose and sinuses.