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Human nasal rhinosporidiosis: a case report from Malawi
1Department of Surgery, Mzuzu Central Hospital, Malawi.
Abstract:
Rhinosporidiosis is a rare chronic granulomatous disease, characterised by polypous lesions of the mucous membrane. Commonly affects the mucous membrane of the naso-pharynx, conjunctiva and palate. Its causative agent is Rhinosporidium seeberi. The disease is more prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, but remains quite rare in our environment. We hereby present a case description of a 70 year old native Malawian male with a polypoid nasal rhinosporidiosis. Patient presented with long standing history of nasal obstruction and intermittent epistaxis for three years. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination and he was successfully treated by complete surgical excision. This was a very unusual cause of nasal masses in our setting. Nasal rhinosporidioss lesions may largely mimic other ordinary nasal polyps, it is crucial therefore for clinicians in our region to consider rhinosporidiosis as a differential diagnosis when assessing patients presenting with nasal swellings.
Insights
Rhinosporidiosis, a rare granulomatous disease, caused nasal polyps in a Malawian man. Complete surgical excision successfully treated the unusual nasal mass.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Tropical Diseases
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Rhinosporidiosis is a rare chronic granulomatous infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi.
- It typically presents as polypous lesions affecting mucous membranes, particularly in the nasopharynx and conjunctiva.
- The disease is endemic to the Indian subcontinent but rare elsewhere.
Observation:
- A case of a 70-year-old Malawian male with polypoid nasal rhinosporidiosis is described.
- The patient presented with a three-year history of nasal obstruction and intermittent epistaxis.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via histopathological examination.
Findings:
- The nasal mass was successfully treated with complete surgical excision.
- This case highlights rhinosporidiosis as an unusual cause of nasal masses in this geographic region.
- Nasal rhinosporidiosis lesions can mimic common nasal polyps.
Implications:
- Clinicians in regions where rhinosporidiosis is rare should consider it in the differential diagnosis of nasal swellings.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are key to successful management.
- Raising awareness of this condition can improve patient outcomes in non-endemic areas.
