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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
[Nasal rhinosporidiosis in children]
G V França1, C C Gomes, E Sakano
1Departmento de OFT/ORL da FCM da Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, SP.
Abstract:
Rhinosporidiosis is a rare fungal disease resulting from infection by Rhinosporidium seeberi. There seems to be a relationship between the disease and agriculture, suggesting that Rhinosporidium lives in soil, and many authors agree that water is a necessary medium of transmission. The sites of infection are the nose (most common), eye, nasopharynx, penile urethra and external ear. Nasal cases generally present obstruction, epistaxis, watery or mucopurulent discharge, presence of tumoral pedunculated polypoid mass, generally with septal implantation. Histological examination presents characteristic sporangia in large numbers and in the submucosa a granulomatous host response. The treatment is by surgical excision (recurrence occurs in 10% of cases), and medical treatment used diaminodiphenylsulfone or Amphotericin B to avoid recurrent cases. We present a case of Rhinosporidiosis in a 10 years-old child, female, with 3 months history of nasal obstruction, epistaxis and presence of nasal mass in left nasal cavity that was submitted to surgical excision.
Insights
Rhinosporidiosis, a rare fungal infection, commonly affects the nose and can be treated with surgery. This case highlights a pediatric patient with nasal obstruction and epistaxis due to Rhinosporidium seeberi.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Rhinosporidiosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi.
- Transmission is often linked to agricultural environments and water exposure.
- Commonly affects the nasal passages, eyes, and other mucosal surfaces.
Purpose:
- To present a case of rhinosporidiosis in a pediatric patient.
- To discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of nasal rhinosporidiosis.
Summary:
- A 10-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and a nasal mass.
- Histological examination revealed characteristic sporangia and a granulomatous host response.
- Treatment involved surgical excision of the nasal mass.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of considering rhinosporidiosis in the differential diagnosis of nasal masses, especially in endemic areas.
- Emphasizes the role of surgical intervention in managing nasal rhinosporidiosis.
- Contributes to the understanding of this rare fungal disease in pediatric populations.
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