What is the medical term for a bump on the bridge of the nose?

Medical Terminology for Nasal Bridge Bump

The medical term for a bump on the bridge of the nose depends on the underlying cause, but common anatomical and pathological terms include "nasal dorsum prominence," "dorsal hump," or "nasal dorsal convexity" for structural variations, while specific pathological bumps have distinct medical names based on their etiology.

Anatomical and Structural Terms

Normal Anatomical Variations

• Dorsal hump or nasal dorsum prominence refers to an elevated contour along the nasal bridge, which may be bony (from nasal bones) or cartilaginous (from upper lateral cartilages) in origin 1
• The relationship of the nasal tip to the dorsum can create optical illusions where a prominent dorsum appears more pronounced if the tip projection is inadequate 1

Structural Deformities

• Nasal septal deviation can create asymmetric dorsal prominence visible externally 2
• Post-traumatic nasal bone deformity following fracture may present as a dorsal bump 3

Pathological Causes of Nasal Bridge Bumps

Congenital Lesions

• Nasal dermoid cyst presents as a midline mass anywhere from the nasal root to columella, though nasal tip location is rare 4
• These lesions may have intracranial extensions without clinical evidence, requiring complete radiologic imaging before surgical excision 4

Benign Neoplasms

• Chondroma is a benign lesion composed of mature hyaline cartilage that can arise from nasal cartilaginous structures, presenting as a firm mass 5
• Infantile hemangioma (IH) of the nose accounts for 15-20% of all focal facial IHs, with approximately one-third involving the nasal tip, originating in the intercartilaginous ligament 3

Inflammatory/Metabolic Lesions

• Gouty tophus rarely presents in the nasal bridge region but can cause a mass with underlying bone erosion 6
• Nasal polyps appear as glistening, mobile, opaque masses but are typically intranasal rather than external bridge lesions 3

Post-Surgical Complications

• Nasoseptal cyst (mucous cyst) can develop months to years after septorhinoplasty, typically presenting as a solitary lesion in the subcutaneous space over the nasal bone along osteotomy lines 7

Clinical Evaluation Approach

Key Distinguishing Features

• Unilateral vs. bilateral: Unilateral masses suggest anatomic abnormality or neoplasm, while bilateral inflammatory polyps are more common 2, 8
• Age of presentation: Congenital lesions like dermoid cysts present in childhood, while structural dorsal humps and chondromas typically present in adults 4, 5
• Consistency on palpation: Firm masses suggest cartilaginous or bony origin, while soft compressible masses suggest cystic or vascular lesions 4, 5

Critical Red Flags

• Any unilateral polypoid lesion or mass with atypical features mandates tissue biopsy to exclude neoplasia, with a diagnostic discrepancy rate of 4.5% in unilateral disease 8
• Masses in children or adolescents require thorough evaluation to exclude dermoid cysts with potential intracranial extension 4
• Post-surgical masses developing along osteotomy lines should raise suspicion for nasoseptal cyst formation 7

Diagnostic Workup

• CT imaging is the gold standard for evaluating bony and soft tissue anatomy of nasal structures 3, 9
• MRI may be indicated when intracranial extension of congenital lesions is suspected 4
• Nasal endoscopy allows visualization of intranasal pathology and mucosal inflammation 9

Common Clinical Pitfalls

• Assuming all nasal bridge bumps are simple dorsal humps without considering pathological causes can delay diagnosis of serious conditions 4, 6
• Failing to obtain adequate imaging before surgical intervention on suspected dermoid cysts risks incomplete excision if intracranial extension is present 4
• Excessive narrowing of the nasal base makes the dorsum appear more prominent, creating a relative rather than absolute dorsal hump 1