Differential Diagnosis for a Bump Inside the Nose Infection

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Nasal Furuncle: This is an infection of the hair follicle inside the nose, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It presents as a painful, red bump and can be accompanied by nasal discharge or bleeding. The location and description of the bump inside the nose make this a highly plausible diagnosis.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Nasal Vestibulitis: An infection of the nasal vestibule, which is the area at the entrance of the nose. It can cause redness, swelling, and sometimes a bump or pustule in this area.
  • Nasal Polyp: While not typically infectious, nasal polyps can become infected and present as a bump inside the nose. They are more common in individuals with allergies or asthma.
  • Infected Nasal Papilloma: These are benign growths inside the nose that can become infected, leading to symptoms similar to a bump or abscess.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Nasal Septal Abscess: A serious infection that involves a collection of pus in the septum dividing the two sides of the nasal passages. It requires urgent medical attention to prevent complications like septal perforation or spread of infection.
  • Malignancy (e.g., Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Although rare, any new growth or bump inside the nose, especially in older adults or those with risk factors (e.g., smoking), should prompt consideration of malignancy to ensure early detection and treatment.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to various parts of the body, including the nose, and might present with a bump or ulceration inside the nose.
  • Rhinoscleroma: A chronic granulomatous infection caused by Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, which can lead to the formation of nodular lesions or bumps inside the nose, particularly in endemic areas.