Differential Diagnosis for Right Lateral Intranasal Swelling
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Nasal polyp: This is a common cause of intranasal swelling, especially if it is lateral and not associated with septal swelling. Nasal polyps are typically benign growths that can occur on the nasal mucosa and are often associated with chronic inflammation, allergies, or infections.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Turbinate bone hypertrophy: The turbinate bones in the nose can become enlarged due to chronic inflammation or allergic reactions, leading to nasal obstruction and swelling.
- Mucous retention cyst: These are benign cysts that can form on the nasal mucosa due to the accumulation of mucous, leading to localized swelling.
- Aggressive fungal sinusitis: Although less common, fungal infections can cause significant intranasal swelling, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Squamous cell carcinoma or other nasal malignancies: Although rare, it is crucial to consider the possibility of cancer, especially if the swelling is persistent, grows rapidly, or is associated with other symptoms like bleeding or weight loss.
- Invasive fungal sinusitis: This is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Angiofibroma: A benign but highly vascular tumor that can cause significant nasal obstruction and bleeding, typically seen in adolescent males.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Nasal glioma: A rare congenital lesion that can present as a nasal mass.
- Encephalocele: A rare congenital defect where brain tissue protrudes through a defect in the skull, potentially presenting as a nasal mass.
- Wegener's granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to the nasal passages and sinuses, among other areas.