Endoscopic Approach a Rare Adult Nasal Glioma and Review of the Literature

Nasal gliomas are rare, benign, congenital tumors that are throught to be the result of abnormality in embryonic development. Three types of clinical presentations have been recognized; extranasal, intranasal and combined. Clinically, these masses are non-pulsatile, gray or purple lesions that obstruct the nasal cavity and can lead to various complications. Histologically, they consist of astrocytic cells, fibrous and vascular connective tissue covered with nasal respiratory mucosa. Treatment of nasal glioma requires a multidisciplinary approach including a radiologist, neurosurgeon and otorhinolaryngologist. Radiological investigation should be performed to determine intracranial extension. This report describes a 60-year-old male undergoing endoscopy for nasal mass and postoperative pathology presenting as nasal glioma. To the best of our knowledge there are few published reports of adult glioma arising from the nasal cavity. The mass was excised totally using an endoscopic approach. We describe the clinical and histopathological features of this rare lesion, with a complete review of the relevant literature.