Giant rhinophyma with olfactory and breathing dysfunction successfully treated by shave excision and electrocautery

Abstract

Rhinophyma is a benign, progressive proliferative skin disorder characterized by a large, bulbous, and erythematous-appearing nose. It is considered the final stage of acne rosacea. Surgical treatment is necessary in cases of breathing and vision difficulties, cosmetic deformity, or psychological distress. Herein we describe the case of a giant rhinophyma with breathing and olfactory difficulties successfully treated by surgical excision and bipolar electrocautery.A healthy 78-year-old man with an extensive, disfigurating tumor mass of the external nose came to our clinic due to the onset of breathing and olfactory difficulties. A firm, painless, irregular tumor mass, consisting of multiple hypertrophied lobules 9 Â 7 cm in size, covered the nose tip and bilateral ala (Figure 1A-C). Obstructed