A pediatric case of ectopic sinonasal teeth

Abstract

Ectopic sinonasal teeth sometimes cause nasal obstruction, nasal bleeding, nasal discomfort, dysosmia, facial pain and headache. But in pediatrics cases, 40% of patients are asymptomatic. We report 9 years-old female case of ectopic nasal tooth without any symptom. A white mass was found in her nasal cavity by medical examination, but she was asymptomatic. Computed tomography showed a tooth-like mass in the bottom of her nasal cavity. Although she was asymptomatic, we determined surgery for the diagnosis of ectopic tooth and to avoid future infections and other complications. We removed the mass intranasally using endoscopy. The removal was easy and there was no complication after the surgery. The mass was canine-like shaped and pathologically diagnosed as tooth. Many reports suggest surgery to ectopic nasal teeth. But to asymptomatic cases, we must consider about its risk and benefits and must give informed consent before determination.