Sclerosing polycystic adenosis of the nasal septum: the risk of misdiagnosis.

Sclerosing polycyctic adenosis (SPA) is a rare lesion of unknown etiology morphologically resembling fibrocystic changes of the breast. To date, approximately 41 cases of SPA have been reported. Most cases of SPA have originated in the parotid and submandibular glands, with a few cases of intra-oral minor salivary gland origin. This is the first reported case of sclerosing polycystic adenosis of nasal minor salivary gland origin. The differential diagnosis of SPA includes polycystic disease, sclerosing sialadenitis, and benign and malignant glandular neoplasias. Although atypia ranging from mild dysplasia to carcinoma in situ can occur in some cases, SPA has a favorable outcome. It is important to be familiar with SPA to avoid aggresive treatment that results from a misdiagnosis. We present a case of a 49-year-old man who had 1-year history of right nasal obstruction.