Endoscopic Nasal Mass Excision of a Large Rhinolith: A Case Report

The presented case study discusses the presentation, investigation, management, and postoperative outcomes of a female diagnosed with a large (4 cm × 5 cm) rhinolith. Rhinoliths are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all nasal obstructions, and are typically caused by the mineralization of a foreign body or nasal debris over time. A 37-year-old Indian female patient presented with left nasal blockage, persistent nasal discharge, and occasional epistaxis for over a year. Thorough evaluation included nasal endoscopy and non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) imaging, which confirmed the presence of a 4 cm × 5 cm calcified lesion in the nasal cavity. The rhinolith was successfully removed through endoscopic nasal mass excision, which involved careful dissection and extraction of the bony mass without complications. The presented patient case emphasizes the importance of considering rhinoliths in the differential diagnosis of chronic nasal obstruction. This study highlights the effectiveness of endoscopic intervention in treating rhinoliths, providing a minimally invasive and highly successful treatment option. Future recommendations include increased awareness and early imaging for persistent nasal symptoms to facilitate timely diagnosis and management of rhinoliths.