Rhinosporidiosis of maxillary sinus: A case report

Abstract

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease inducing polyps of the affected mucous membrane and is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. Seldom mimicking other more malignant and vigorous pathologies of the involved part. As rhinosporidiosis primarily affects orofacial and sino-nasal region, it is of great value to the oral physician, oral radiologist and oral surgeon and a necessary differential diagnosis to be kept in mind for sino-nasal masses. As the causative organism is an aquatic protistan parasite and cannot be cultured in vitro, the diagnosis depends on clinical and histopathological findings. Treatment is complete surgical excision but recurrence is quite common at 10% to 30%. Use of cryosurgery and electrocautery reduce the recurrence. Also, systemic dapsone therapy is used as an adjunct to surgical intervention and helps in preventing recurrences. In this case report, the clinical, radiological and pathological features of a case presenting in a 55-year old male has been described. The involvement, erosion and destruction of the various walls of maxillary sinus and maxillary osteomyelitis as in this case is very rare and only a few cases have been recorded in the literature. The surgical and pharmacologic management along with 18 months follow up has been discussed and a short review of literature has been made.