Anterior Nasal Septal Angiomyolipoma Mimicking a Dermoid: A Case Report and Updated Review of an Evolving Sinonasal Entity
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Angiomyolipoma (AML) of the nasal cavity is an uncommon mesenchymal lesion that differs from classic renal and hepatic AML in several clinicopathologic features. We report a 51-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia who presented with intermittent external nasal swelling and concern about nasal contour, without nasal obstruction or chronic inflammatory sinonasal symptoms. Examination showed a soft, compressible, non-tender anterior nasal lesion. Non-contrast axial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-defined approximately 2.1 × 2.0 cm lesion in the left anterior nasal cavity/nostril, with a high T2 signal, an internal fatty component, and heterogeneous enhancement, causing displacement of the cartilaginous septum. A dermoid was favored radiologically. The patient underwent septoplasty with excision of the mass in March 2023. Histopathology showed AML with mature adipose tissue, thick-walled vessels, and bland smooth-muscle cells; smooth muscle actin was positive and HMB-45 was negative. Recovery was uncomplicated, with no residual or recurrent lesion on available follow-up. This case highlights an unusual anterior septal location and a radiologic mimic. Recent immunophenotypic and molecular data suggest that many sinonasal lesions historically termed AML are better classified as sinonasal angioleiomyoma with adipocytic differentiation.
Source: Cureus
Institution: Security Forces Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225148254