Transnasal endoscopic resection of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma in infancy: an analysis of 5 cases

BACKGROUND: Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartomas (NCMHs) are extremely rare benign tumors that most commonly affect children in the first year of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate and summarize the characteristics of NCMH cases and the efficacy of transnasal endoscopic resection of NCMHs. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 5 cases of infant diagnosed as NCMH between April 2016 and April 2020. Diagnostic techniques include nasoendoscopy, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast and microscopic and immunohistologic studies. Data collected included patient demographics, patient symptoms, radiographic findings, characteristics of tumor growth, follow-up time, recurrence, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In 5 cases, 3 were males and 2 were females who aged 1, 2, 3, 6 months and 1 year, respectively. The size of the mass measured 1.6 cm*1.9 cm*1.8 cm at its smallest and largest was 4.0 cm*3.5 cm*3.0 cm. All five patients underwent tumor resection via transnasal endoscopic approach. Four tumors were completely removed, and one underwent partial resection, which was completely resected by midfacial degloving operation 13 months after the first surgery. There was no postoperative complication. The current postoperative follow-up period was 1 to 4 years, and no recurrence has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Complete surgical resection of NCHM is necessary to resolve the symptoms and prevent recurrence. Transnasal endoscopic approach is a safe and effective choice for pediatric NCMH patients.