Rhinitis describes a pattern of symptoms as a result of nasal inflammation and/or dysfunction of the nasal mucosa. It is an umbrella entity that includes many different subtypes, several of which escape of complete characterization. Rhinitis is considered as a pathologic condition with considerable morbidity and financial burden on health care systems worldwide. Its economic impact is further emphasized by the fact that it represents a risk factor for other conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, learning disabilities, behavioral changes, and psychological impairment. Rhinitis may be associated with many etiologic triggers such as infections, immediate-type allergic responses, inhaled irritants, medications, hormonal disturbances, and neural system dysfunction. It is basically classified into three major clinical phenotypes: allergic rhinitis (AR), infectious rhinitis, and non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis (NAR). However, this subdivision may be considered as an oversimplification because a combined (mixed) phenotype exists in many individuals and different endotypes of rhinitis subgroups are overlapping. Due to the variety of pathophysiologic mechanisms (endotypes) and clinical symptoms (phenotypes), it is difficult to develop clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to review the types of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, providing a thorough analysis of the pathophysiological background, diagnostic approach, and main treatment options.

Background. Buccal space tumors constitute rare pathologies with significant histological diversity. They may pose serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the head and neck surgeon. Methods. A case of buccal space tumor diagnosed and treated in a tertiary center is presented. Clinical presentation, imaging, and surgical approach are discussed, followed by review of the literature. Results. A 79-year-old male patient with a slowly growing painless mass on the right cheek presented to a head and neck reference center. Imaging revealed a tumor of the right buccal space with nonspecific characteristics. Imaging studies revealed extended infiltration of the masseter muscle as well as the anterior border of the parotid gland. FNA biopsy was performed but was nondiagnostic. The decision of surgical excision with a modified parotidectomy incision was taken. The lesion was completely excised with preservation of neighboring facial nerve branches and ipsilateral Stensen’s duct. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histological examination showed CLL/Lymphoma, and the patient was referred to the hematology department for staging and further management. Conclusion. Differential diagnosis of buccal space masses is very diverse. Despite challenges in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach, these entities may be managed surgically with minimal morbidity.