Lateral Nasal Wall Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma (REAH): A Diagnostic Conundrum

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

Introduction:
This study aims to report a rare case of a respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) of the lateral nasal wall that had initially presented as a fungating mass, similar to that of a sinonasal malignancy, and its complete removal from the lateral nasal wall.
 
Case Report:
We report the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented to us with a chief complaint of recurrent right-sided epistaxis and nasal blockage for the past 4 months, which was progressively worsening. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a REAH instead of a sinonasal malignancy. The tumor was surgically excised from the lateral nasal wall using electrocautery under endoscopic guidance. The patient was then carefully followed-up after surgery, and the wound was successfully healed 3 months after the initial surgery. There was no evidence of recurrence 6 months after the initial surgery
 
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the rare presentation of a REAH, which had arisen from the lateral nasal wall. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish a REAH from a more notorious mass such as a sinonasal malignancy. Therefore, biopsy is mandatory in all cases of lateral nasal mass in order to rule out malignancy before confirming nasal REAH. Fortunately, as seen in this case, a lateral nasal REAH, once diagnosed, can be safely and easily removed from the lateral nasal wall using electrocautery with good surgical outcomes and a low rate of recurrence.

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Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 30, Issue 4 - Serial Number 99
July and August 2018
Pages 225-229

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