Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation
Published on: June 20, 2018
Atypical presentation of primary giant nasal septal mucopyocele
Umit Taskin1, Yasemin A Korkut, Salih Aydin
1Otorhinolaryngology Department, Bağcilar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. taskin_umit@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Mucoceles are expansile, encapsulated, benign cystic lesions with the potential for adjacent bony remodeling and resorption. Previous nasal surgery, recurrent infections, allergies, and facial traumas are all possible causes of mucoceles involving mainly paranasal sinuses. When the mucocele is infected, it is referred to as mucopyocele. Nasal septal mucoceles seen in only very seldom cases might develop from pneumatized and infected nasal septa. In the current article, we present an interesting primary giant septal mucopyocele that destroys all paranasal cells as a tumoral lesion. The perpendicular plate of ethmoidal bone, vomer, and bilateral anterior and posterior ethmoidal cells were destroyed by mucopyocele. The nasal cavity was totally obstructed by lesions on both sides. On the left side, the lesion also eroded the left lateral nasal wall causing external swelling at the medial canthal region. This is the first case of a giant septal mucopyocele of its kind in the literature. Although nasal septal mucocele is very rare, it should be considered in differential diagnosis of intranasal masses.
Insights
A rare giant septal mucopyocele, an infected nasal cyst, caused extensive destruction of surrounding nasal and paranasal structures. This case highlights the importance of considering nasal septal mucoceles in diagnosing intranasal masses.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Mucoceles are benign cystic lesions that can cause bone erosion.
- Infected mucoceles are termed mucopyoceles.
- Nasal septal mucoceles are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A primary giant septal mucopyocele presented as a tumoral lesion.
- The mucopyocele destroyed the ethmoidal bone, vomer, and ethmoidal cells.
- It caused complete nasal cavity obstruction and eroded the lateral nasal wall, leading to facial swelling.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of a giant septal mucopyocele.
- The lesion demonstrated extensive bony destruction and nasal obstruction.
- The mucopyocele mimicked a tumor in its destructive potential.
Implications:
- Nasal septal mucoceles, though rare, must be included in the differential diagnosis of intranasal masses.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for appropriate management.
- This case expands the understanding of potential mucocele presentations and their destructive capacity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nose and Nasal Cavity
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Atypical Pneumonia
Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:

