Nasal glioma.

Six cases of nasal gliomas, which are rare ectopic rests of neural tissue found at the root of the nose, are presented. It is important to distinguish nasal tumors from basofrontal encephaloceles to avoid inadvertent exposure of the brain during the surgical removal of mass lesions. Because of their related embryologic origins, the distinction between nasal gliomas and basofrontal encephaloceles may not be clear clinically. Nasal gliomas may be treated by several surgical specialties, and only a proper awareness of their relatonship to encephaloceles can assure the selection of a flexible and adequate surgical approach. This paper emphasizes the salient clinical characteristics of nasal gliomas, their clinical distinction form and embryologic relationship to encephaloceles, and the options for treatment.