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Case Reports
. 2025 May 13;2025(5):rjaf295.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf295. eCollection 2025 May.

Not every nasal block is allergic rhinitis: a case report of sinonasal malignant melanoma

Rula Naqi  1 , Vineeth Haridas  1 , Ismail Kandiyil  1 , Mohammed Al-Shehabi  1 , Mai Nasser  1 , Amal Al-Abdullah  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Not every nasal block is allergic rhinitis: a case report of sinonasal malignant melanoma

Rula Naqi et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

Sinonasal malignant melanoma (SNMM) is an extremely rare and aggressive sinonasal tumor. It has nonspecific risk factors and clinical presentation which require a high index of suspicion. In this case report we present a case of a 47-year-old male who initially had persistent nasal obstruction not responding to intranasal steroids. Comprehensive imaging and histopathological studies confirmed SNMM. He underwent incomplete maxillectomy resection followed by immunotherapy abroad. Within 6 months period he had recurrence of the disease. As this disease is a rare entity, there are no specific treatment guidelines, however, surgical intervention is agreed to be the mainstay of treatment. Although their effectiveness is still controversial, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunological and biological therapies are adjuvant options. Multidisciplinary team approach is necessary to provide the optimal treatment plan, along with close follow up. Continuous research and clinical trials are still needed to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management of this rare entity.

Keywords: malignant melanoma; oncology; rhinology; sinonasal tumor; treatment guidelines.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Coronal section of CT paranasal sinus with contrast soft tissue window showing the mass occupying the left nasal cavity and extending to maxillary and ethmoidal sinus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Coronal section of CT paranasal sinus with contrast bone window showing the bony erosion in the nasal septum and maxillary sinus wall.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Yellowish greenish nasal mass occupying the left nasal cavity with blood stain.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Coronal section of CT paranasal sinus soft tissue window showing the mass occupying the left nasal cavity and extending to maxillary and ethmoidal sinus, and reaching base of skull.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Coronal section of CT paranasal sinus bone window showing bony erosions of nasal septum, maxillary wall, lamina papyracea, and cribriform plate.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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