Clinicopathological features of extranasal rhinosporidiosis: Pitfalls and differential diagnosis

Aim: The present series aims to highlight the sites,clinical presentation, histopathological features, anddiagnostic dilemmas of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis. Materials and methods: A review of pertinent demographic and laboratory data for patients diagnosed with extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis, over a period of 7 years (2012- 2019) was done. Results: Amongst the 8 cases of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis, the sites of involvement were medialcanthus (2/8), trachea (2/8), skin and bone (1/8), hard palate (1/8), and concurrent multiple sites (2/8). Clinical differential diagnoses included fungal osteomyelitis, laryngeal papilloma, conjunctival tumor, disseminated rhinosporidiosis, and carcinoma palate.The presence of sporangia, endospores,chronic inflammation, histiocytes was the most consistent histopathological features. Sevencases were managed with a laser-guided excision, and one underwent wide local excision with cauterization. Recurrence was seen in 5/8 cases (62.5%). Conclusion: The diagnosis of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosisis often missed due to an unusual site of presentation, or mistaken for a tumor. A proper history and histopathological examination must be carried out in patients with bleeding polyps, especially in an endemic region. The rate of local recurrence is high, which may be reduced by the use of lasers during surgery.