Swelling of the Nasal Septum: A Case of Nasal Septum Carcinoma

• Main Authors: Loh, Z.H., Chow, T.K.
• Format: Article
• Published: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd 2021
• Subjects: RF Otorhinolaryngology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35961/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85122735986&doi=10.5005%2fjp-journals-10003-1378&partnerID=40&md5=94532717e622079994434b38a6b8ba51

Objectives: To report a case of nasal septum carcinoma. To review the existing literature on the presentation, staging, and management. Results: A 70-year-old gentleman presented with soft, smooth swelling of the anterior nasal septum for a duration of 1 month. CT contrast showed a hypodense soft tissue arising from the left nasal septum without bony erosion, with the mass measuring 1.8 × 2.6 cm, displacing the nasal septum to the right. Post-excision histopathological examination reported a keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of poorly differentiated type with margin involvement. He was started on radiotherapy and successfully completed it. Conclusions: Mass in the nasal cavity is the second most common presentation of nasal septum carcinoma. Treatment of nasal septum carcinoma depends on the site and extension of the lesion. Postoperative irradiation is important depending on the clearance and cartilage involvement. The above tumor is T1 according to staging but is of relatively large size. According to the previous meta-analysis, a T1 tumor can be treated with radiotherapy alone. Another study showed that tumor that is more than 2 cm in size is better treated with combined therapy, without mentioning about the stage of the tumor. To reach better treatment, both criteria must be taken into consideration. A better staging system that involves location and size of the tumor will help in better treatment and prognosis. © The Author(s).