Recurrent respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma of the nasal cavity

Abstract

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) refers to a rare entity characterized by excessive proliferation of the normal glandular elements of the respiratory epithelium present as mass lesions in various body sites. The pathophysiology of the disorder is still debated. The condition can closely mimic inverted papilloma, adenocarcinoma, and nasal polyposis clinically, radiologically, and pathologically. However, distinction from the above disorders is important in view of the excellent prognosis associated with complete excision of REAH. Recurrence is uncommon with complete excision, and a high-risk pathologic transformation is not expected with this lesion. We report a case of recurrent REAH managed with repeat surgical endoscopic excision. The patient is disease free 4 years after re-excision of the lesion.

Keywords:

• Computed tomography
• ethmoidal polyposis
• recurrence
• respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma