Publication:

A giant staghorn rhinolith: a case report

Rhinolith is a stony mass which is found in the nasal cavity. It is a relatively rare condition, and it takes a long period of time to develop. The pathogenesis of rhinolith formation remains unclear but several theories have been proposed. Although a rhinolith may develop spontaneously, it is usually formed by deposition of salts from body fluids over an object. Wide scope of symptoms appears; from asymptomatic to septal or palatal perforation. Endoscopic assessment and CT scan are the corner stone for the diagnosis of rhinolith.  Many differential diagnoses should be kept in mind during assessment for rhinolith. Rhinolith can be removed easily in the clinic, but sometimes it requires general anaesthesia in certain circumstances. Many therapeutic procedures are found but endoscopic removal remains the main standard. Post-operatively the patient may need silastic splints or packs. Post-operative complications, which are rare nowadays, depend on the method used for removal of the rhinolith.