Hypertrophy (i.e. congestion, prominence, swelling) of the nasal turbinates can occur alone or in combination with other nasal and sinus symptoms (e.g. runny nose, sinus pressure/pain, headache, and/or post-nasal drip). This can be from infections, exposure to chemical agents (e.g. bleach), deviated septum, overuse of nasal decongestants, or airway conditions such as allergies, rhinitis, or asthma.
Nasopharyngeal cysts are fluid collections that are usually benign (non-cancerous). Symptoms that may occur include nasal/sinus symptoms such as runny nose, headache and nasal obstruction. While asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment, marsupialization (a surgical procedure to remove the cyst) may be indicated for those that cause symptoms.
A deviated septum is when the thin wall (nasal septum) between the nasal passages is off-center (deviated) to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This can be present at birth or from an injury to the nose. Often a deviated septum does not cause symptoms and no further evaluation or management is needed.
A parotid gland is located in front of each ear and is one of the three major glands that provide the mouth with saliva. Salivary gland stones usually do not cause symptoms but sometimes if they block the gland, it can cause pain and swelling of the salivary gland, especially before or while eating food. Conservative management is the mainstay of treatment in the majority of individuals, which includes keeping well hydrated, applying moist heat to the involved area, and “milking”/massaging the gland.
The tympanic cavity is a small cavity surrounding the bones of the middle ear. The mastoid is the part of the skull located behind the ear. It is filled with air cells made of bone and looks like a honeycomb. In the absence of recent injury, if the tympanic/mastoid cavity is noted to be opacified on imaging studies, it usually reflects chronic inflammation and/or infection.
A paraganglioma is an abnormal growth of cells (tumor) that forms from nerve cells found throughout the body. These nerve cells perform important functions in the body, including regulating blood pressure. Paragangliomas are found in the neck near the carotid artery or within the skull, the abdomen, or the chest.
