Paranasal sinuses are a group of air-filled spaces that surround the nasal cavity: the maxillary sinuses are located under the eyes, the frontal sinuses are above the eyes, the ethmoid sinuses are between the eyes and the sphenoid sinuses are behind the eyes. Indications of acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses with symptoms lasting less than four weeks) that are seen on imaging include the presence of air-fluid levels and/or a "bubbly or foamy" appearance of the sinuses.
Ectopic thyroid describes any part of the thyroid that is not in its normal location. An ectopic thyroid is usually asymptomatic (does not cause symptoms). In rare cases it can be associated with hypothyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones).
A Zenker's diverticulum is an outpouching that occurs at the junction of the lower part of the throat and the upper portion of the esophagus. It develops when the muscle between the throat and esophagus, over-tightens, causing the throat above it to pouch out. Over time, the pouch can enlarge as the muscles below it tighten excessively. Food can catch in this pouch or it can cause an obstruction. Symptoms, if present, may include regurgitation of undigested food, difficulty swallowing and coughing while eating.
Osteomas are benign (non-cancerous), slow-growing bony tumors involving the base of the skull and paranasal sinuses. Causes of osteoma development include congenital, inflammatory, or traumatic factors, but in most cases the cause is unknown.
Polyps are small soft tissue growths that commonly occur in the nasal passageway and are frequently associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, allergies, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity in the syndrome of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Large growths can sometimes cause symptoms of nasal airway congestion or blockage, thick discharge, and anosmia (the loss of the ability to detect one or more smells).
A nasal septal perforation is when there is a hole in the nasal septum. This can be caused by prior surgeries, chronic sinus inflammation, drug use (i.e. cocaine), intranasal medication use (i.e. "Afrin") and autoimmune conditions. Symptoms from a perforated nasal septum can include the sensation of nasal congestion (from disrupted airflow), epistaxis (nose bleed) and crusting. Treatment of nasal septal perforation can include medical and possibly surgical management.
