Fibous dysplasia of the inferior turbinate: an unusual cause of nasal obstruction

Abstract

Fibrous dysplasia is an idiopathic benign bone disease, infrequent in head and neck. It is mainly located in the maxillary bone, while its nasal cavity frequency is low. It is usually asymptomatic, but it can be aggressive due to local growth and malignant degeneration. Its treatment is surgical when the disease produces an important facial deformity, orbital, rhinosinusal or vascular-nervous compressive symptoms or when malignization is suspected. A case report of a patient with persistent nasal obstruction is presented. Upon evaluation, a bony tumor of the inferior turbinate was diagnosed. Excision was performed using endoscopic technique, with satisfactory clinical results. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia. We emphasize the importance of the otolaryngology physical examination and the early diagnosis in order to offer the more adequate treatment when lesions are small, so as to be able to perform an endoscopic surgery without potential disadvantages.