Nasal glioma. A rarity

Abstract

Nasal glioma is a rare congenital malformation which most often presents to the otorhinolaryngologist or neurosurgeon. However, occasional cases of the extranasal variant are referred to a dermatologist as an unusual subcutaneous mass over the bridge of the nose, most often in an infant. These lesions may not be recognised clinically, leading to dangerous mismanagement, and may be misinterpreted by pathologists as a neoplasm, either benign or malignant. Three cases are described here with the purpose of focussing the attention of workers in dermatology on this unusual developmental abnormality.