Rhinolith

A rhinolith is a stone present in the nasal cavity. The word is derived from the roots rhino- and -lith, literally meaning "nose stone". It is an uncommon medical phenomenon, not to be confused with dried nasal mucus. A rhinolith usually forms around the nucleus of a small exogenous foreign body, blood clot or secretion by slow deposition of calcium and magnesium carbonate and phosphate salts. Over a period of time, they grow into large irregular masses that fill the nasal cavity. They may cause pressure necrosis of the nasal septum or lateral wall of nose. Rhinoliths can cause nasal obstruction, epistaxis, headache, sinusitis and epiphora. They can be diagnosed from the history with unilateral foul-smelling blood-stained nasal discharge or by anterior rhinoscopy. On probing, the probe can be passed around all its corners. In both CT and MRI a rhinolith will appear like a radiopaque irregular material. Small rhinoliths can be removed by a foreign body hook. Whereas large rhinoliths can be removed either by crushing with Luc's forceps or by Moore's lateral rhinotomy approach.[1][2]

Rhinolith
Xray of paranasal sinuses showing rhinolith
Pronunciation	Rai-no-lith
Specialty	ENT surgery
Symptoms	Nasal blockage, Foul smelling from nose, Nasal pain, With or without headache, Epistaxis
Causes	Calcium carbonate, Calcium phosphate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium Phosphate stone
Treatment	Endoscopic Removal of Stone.