Unveiling The Enigmatic Nature of Rhinosporidiosis: A Comprehensive Case Report

Abstract

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic protistan parasite belonging to the class Mesomycetozoea. It commonly presents as a slow-growing, friable, polypoidal lesion involving the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Although endemic in certain parts of India, the disease continues to pose diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and resemblance to other benign and vascular lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract. We report a case of a 33-year-old female from Odisha who presented with left nasal obstruction, dysphagia, and intermittent epistaxis. Clinical examination, radiological findings, microbiological evaluation including KOH mount, and histopathological examination with special stains confirmed the diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis. The patient was managed with surgical excision and cauterization followed by dapsone therapy. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for rhinosporidiosis in patients presenting with nasal masses, especially those from endemic areas with a history of pond bathing.