INTRODUCTION: Proboscis lateralis is a rare congenitally acquired facial abnormality characterized by a soft-tissue tube- or trunk-like appendage projecting from the surface of the face, most frequently rooted in the medial canthal region. Proboscis lateralis is generally associated with a wide range of concomitant craniofacial anomalies, giving rise to multiple theories describing the embryological pathogenesis and various classification systems to account for the pathological associations. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: This paper provides a literature review of the rare manifestations of proboscis lateralis and represents a summary of current literature related to embryological pathogenesis, definitive diagnosis, and surgical management approaches.
INTRODUCTION: Proboscis lateralis is a rare congenitally acquired facial abnormality characterized by a soft-tissue tube- or trunk-like appendage projecting from the surface of the face, most frequently rooted in the medial canthal region. Proboscis lateralis is generally associated with a wide range of concomitant craniofacial anomalies, giving rise to multiple theories describing the embryological pathogenesis and various classification systems to account for the pathological associations. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: This paper provides a literature review of the rare manifestations of proboscis lateralis and represents a summary of current literature related to embryological pathogenesis, definitive diagnosis, and surgical management approaches.