Rhinolith in a 13-Year-Old Boy: a Case Report of a Rare Condition

Rhinoliths are uncommon nasal masses. They are mineralized masses found within the nasal cavity. They have various clinical presentations. We report a 13-year-old boy with long-standing nasal obstruction, yellowish nasal discharge and intermittent and minimal nasal bleeding for a few weeks, who had been treated as rhinosinusitis twice. Due to the presence of long-standing symptoms, a systematic nasal examination including anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy was carried out. Nasal endoscopy revealed a whitish irregular mass along the floor of the nose at left inferior meatus. Computed tomography (CT) scan of paranasal sinuses showed a hyperdense substance in the floor of the left nostril. Rhinolith was removed endoscopically under general anesthesia, leading to the complete resolution of his symptoms. Diagnosis of rhinolithiasis can be made by keeping a strong suspicion based upon history and symptoms. The current case report shows the importance of rigid nasal endoscopy and radiological assessment in diagnosis and management of rhinoliths, particularly if they are situated posteriorly.