A Retrospective Single-Center Study in 20 Patients With Midline Nasal Masses: Which Site Has the Highest Risk of Recurrence?

Abstract

Midline nasal masses are rare and challenging for surgeons. This study examined the site with the highest risk of recurrence following midline nasal mass excisions. Surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed following excision of midline nasal masses between 2010 and 2022 in the predominantly pediatric patient cohort. The primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate. Overall, 22 nasal masses were resected from 20 patients. Of these masses, 16 were nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSC), 2 were hamartomas, 1 was an epidermoid cyst, and 1 was a mature teratoma. Five of the nasal masses were classified as intracranial lesions, 11 were classified as intraosseous lesions, and 6 were classified as superficial lesions. The open rhinoplasty approach was chosen in 65% of the surgeries. For the intracranially extended lesions, a combined nasocranial approach was performed. Four revision surgeries were performed due to superficial recurrences at the nasal dorsum of lesions, that were primarily classified as intraosseous lesions. All recurrences had a superficial extension and were easily excised. Intraosseous NDSC have the highest risk of recurrence, but conversely, they also occur most frequently.