Abstract
An ectopic tooth in the nasal cavity is a rare phenomenon, especially on the inferior turbinate. In most of the reported cases, no etiological explanation of the intranasal teeth has been suggested or found. In children, intranasal ectopic teeth are usually associated with cleft lip and alveolus. Here, we report a rare case of a pediatric patient with unilateral nasal obstruction due to an intranasal ectopic tooth originating from the inferior turbinate without any facial and dental deformities. This case is unique due to the unusual location of the ectopic tooth and its presentation in a child without facial and dental deformities.
1
Introduction
Intranasal ectopic teeth are rare and can occur in a variety of locations. The incidence of such nasal teeth ranges from 0.1 to 1% in general population. Commonly seen in the palate, maxillary sinus, and the floor of the nasal cavity, they have seldom been reported to locate on the inferior turbinate. In children, intranasal ectopic teeth occur more frequently in individuals with cleft lip and alveolus . It is important to identify it, as it has the potential of causing serious morbidity. Although an intranasal tooth is not difficult to diagnose, it is easily ignored due to a lack of symptoms and the variable clinical presentation. The purpose of this case is to present a pediatric patient with an intranasal ectopic tooth originating from the inferior turbinate without any facial and dental deformities. The treatment and information collection has been approved by West China Hospital Ethics Committee.
2
Case reports
A 2.5-year-old boy was referred to the otolaryngology clinic with a history of longstanding right-sided nasal obstruction. He has had such symptoms for half a year despite medical therapy. Endoscopic examination revealed a protruding reddish mass arising from the right inferior turbinate ( Fig. 1 ). The lesion was firm with smooth overlying mucosa and no ulceration. His intraoral dentition was normal. No previous history of trauma, surgery or nasal foreign body was elicited, and the patient’s medical history was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses revealed a dense radiopaque shadow in the right nasal cavity between inferior turbinate and nasal septum ( Fig. 2 ). There was no destruction or perforation of structures near the lesion.
After consultation with the parents of the patient, informed consent has been obtained. Endoscopic surgery under general anesthesia was performed to remove the nasal mass. Histologic examination confirmed its dental nature. At follow-up in the outpatient clinic 4 weeks later, the symptom of right nasal obstruction completely resolved, and no nasal mucosal abnormalities could be observed.
2
Case reports
A 2.5-year-old boy was referred to the otolaryngology clinic with a history of longstanding right-sided nasal obstruction. He has had such symptoms for half a year despite medical therapy. Endoscopic examination revealed a protruding reddish mass arising from the right inferior turbinate ( Fig. 1 ). The lesion was firm with smooth overlying mucosa and no ulceration. His intraoral dentition was normal. No previous history of trauma, surgery or nasal foreign body was elicited, and the patient’s medical history was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses revealed a dense radiopaque shadow in the right nasal cavity between inferior turbinate and nasal septum ( Fig. 2 ). There was no destruction or perforation of structures near the lesion.
