[The importance of electron microscopy in research and clinical otorhinolaryngology]

The current state of electronmicroscopy in research and clinical applications in otorhinolaryngology is reviewed. The recognition of cytoarchitectonic relationships by means of transmission electronmicroscopy, tracer studies and freeze fracture technique provides functionally interesting findings on the sensory epithelium and the permeability barriers of the inner ear. Knowledge of the fine structure of the animal and human ear also facilitates the understanding of the pathomechanism of the inner ear. Experimental and clinical findings of seromucotympanon are also described, as well as the morphology of normal and diseased respiratory mucosa. A viral origin for laryngeal papilloma is clearly confirmed. New findings in the pathohistology of otosclerosis are described. Finally, the use of electronmicroscopy in the diagnosis of ENT tumours is considered. The demonstration of pathognomonic cell organelles is useful not only in the diagnosis of rare tumours, e.g. esthesioneuroblastoma or carcinoid. The epithelial origin of anaplastic tumours can also be shown or excluded. Electronmicroscopy also offers important clues in the case of neck metastases from an unknown primary tumour.