Rhinosporidiosis: an unusual cause of nasal masses gains prominence

SS Chao, KS Loh
Correspondence: Dr Chao Siew Shuen, entv6@nus.edu.sg

ABSTRACT
Introduction Rhinosporidiosis is a rare cause of nasal masses locally, with only two cases reported over a 35-year period.
Methods Four patients with rhinosporidiosis, all from the Indian subcontinent, were managed at our tertiary referral centre over a recent five-year period. They presented with nasal masses and the diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination.
Results All patients were treated by local excision of the nasal masses, and two also received dapsone therapy after surgery. During follow-up, local recurrence was found in two patients, one of whom had received dapsone.
Conclusion With a significant number of foreign workers from endemic regions, this uncommon disease may be observed more frequently in the future. It is thus important to consider the diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis in patients from endemic regions presenting with nasal masses. The mainstay of treatment should be wide surgical excision.

Keywords: dapsone therapy, nasal mass, nasal obstruction, rhinosporidiosis, surgical excision
Singapore Med J 2004; 45(5): 224-226