Nasal gliomas

Abstract

Nasal glioma is a developmental abnormality of neurogenic origin with o malignant potential. An intranasal mass requires careful rhinologic and occassionally ophthalmologic, neurologic, and roentgenologic examinations. With a bony defect, pneumoencephalography, angiography, or computerized tomography may be helpful. In such cases, a neurosurgeon should be available at the time of biopsy. Biopsy is necessary for establishing a histopathologic diagnosis. Aspiration of the tumor with a needle or incisional biopsy may yield inconclusive findings and may be associated with CSF rhinorrhea and meningitis, especially if there is an intracranial connection. With adequate initial removal, excisional biopsy usually offers complete cure. A frontal craniotomy approach is preferred for those patients who have nasal glioma with an intracranial connection, CSF rhinorrhea, or recurrent episodes of meningitis. With no evidence of an intracranial connection, a conservative extracranial approach is recommended.