Nasal Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma

Abstract

Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma is a rare, benign tumour arising typically in the upper aerodigestive tract. It is commonly misdiagnosed as either an inflammatory polyp or as something more sinister such as a malignant tumour. Surgical excision, typically by endoscopic resection, is a definitive curative treatment. We present a case whereby a 57-year-old lady presented with a unilateral nasal obstruction and few other distinguishable symptoms. She had no red flags in her history. On sinuscopy a lobulated lesion was seen arising from the postero-superior aspect of the nasal septum, confirmed on CAT scan sinuses. The patient underwent an endoscopic surgical excision of this gritty atypical looking mass. Primary histopathology initially reported an inflammatory polyp, however on multidisciplinary discussion and histopathology review the lesion was diagnosed as a Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma. The patient made a full recovery from the operation and thankfully her symptoms have resolved without any evidence of recurrence.

Keywords

• Nasal hamartoma
• Polyp
• Rhinology
• Sinus surgery