Rhinophyma

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Rhinophyma
Classification and external resources

An Old Man and His Grandson, by Domenico Ghirlandaio
ICD-10 L71.1
ICD-9 695.3
DiseasesDB 96
MedlinePlus 001037
MeSH D012224

Rhinophyma is a large, bulbous, ruddy nose caused by granulomatous infiltration, commonly due to untreated rosacea.[1]

Contents

Signs and symptoms [edit]

An example of severe rhinophyma.

Rhinophyma can carry a strong psychological impact due to its effect on one's personal appearance. [2]

Causes [edit]

Alcoholism is mistakenly attributed as a cause of this disease, but heavy alcohol consumption does aggravate the condition. Rhinophyma may be diagnosed without testing, but a skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment may be beneficial.[citation needed]

Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive condition due to hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands of the tip of the nose often seen in cases of long-standing acne rosacea; it is not a neoplasm. It presents as a pink, lobulated mass over the nose with superficial vascular dilation; it mostly affects men past middle age. Patients seek advice because of the unsightly appearance of the enlargement, or obstruction in breathing and vision.

Treatment [edit]

Treatment consists of paring down the bulk of the tissue with a sharp knife or carbon dioxide laser and allowing the area to re-epithelialise. Sometimes, the tissue is completely excised and the raw area skin-grafted.[3]

History [edit]

The term rhinophyma is derived from the Greek rhis ('nose') and phyma ('growth').

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Cohen AF, Tiemstra JD (2002). "Diagnosis and treatment of rosacea". J Am Board Fam Pract 15 (3): 214–7. PMID 12038728. 
  2. ^ "Rhinophyma". Rhinophyma. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 
  3. ^ Dingra PL. Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat (4th ed.). 

External links [edit]