Rhinophyma and Gnathophyma Concomitantly in a 54-Year-Old Female a Clinical-Histopathology Correlation and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Rhinophyma (Greek “nose growth”) is a benign dermatologic disease of the nose [1]. It is characterized by a slowly progressive enlargement of the nasal skin, with irregular thickening and nodular deformation leading to an erythematous appearing nose. Phyma is the last stage of rosacea and is due to chronic inflammation and edema. Although the great majority of phymatous lesions occur on the nose (rhinophyma), they may also occur at other sites. It affects mostly men. Even though the exact cause of rhinophyma is unknown, it is believed to be multifactorial in origin with a principal etiology of unregulated superficial vasodilation. The main reasons that urge the patients to seek help are functional and cosmetic impairments, such as nasal obstruction or disfigurement. Surgical removal of the hyperplastic tumor mass is the treatment of choice for rhinophyma. The aim of the article is to present an update on the pathophysiology, clinical features and treatment of rhinophyma and gnathophyma in a 54-year-old female patient.