Nasal glioma

Abstract

Congenital midline nasal masses are rather rare anomalies that occur in about one in 20 000- 40 000 live births. Nasal gliomas account for approximately 5% of all congenital nasal swellings. The most common are dermoid/epidermoid tumors, nasal cerebral heterotopias (nasal gliomas), and nasal encephaloceles, with clinical significance that some of them have an actual or potential central nervous system connection. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy who complained of slight hearing loss dating 2 month before. Anterior rhinoscopy showed an oval, elastic, smooth, uncompressible mass, at the upper third of the nasal septum, unchanged in size on the Valsalva test. The mass causes breathing difficulties on that left naris. Clinical diagnosis was hemangioma. In the histopathologic laboratory, on gross examination, the mass measured 1.0 x 0.7 x 0.5 cm, was well demarcated, smooth, elastic, homogeneous, firm and whitish-gray in color. On cut section, the mass was homogenous, firm whitish gray in color. It consisted of astrocytic neuroglial cells with fibrous connective tissue and covered by the normal respiratory mucosa. The diagnosis of a nasal glioma was made.