Skull base oncocytoma presenting as epistaxis: an unusual presentation of a rare tumour successfully managed with active surveillance

Abstract

Oncocytomas are rare tumours, usually occurring in the salivary glands, but may very occasionally occur in other sites. The authors present a skull base oncocytoma as a rare cause of spontaneous epistaxis. Following diagnosis through imaging and intranasal biopsy, the patient opted for annual surveillance instead of active treatment and made a full recovery nonetheless. Skull base oncocytoma is a rare tumour that may result in otherwise common symptomatology. While excision is the mainstay of management, active surveillance may be a viable alternative for select patients.

Lethal Epistaxis

“…Its degree of vascularity and invasive properties may result in recurrent epistaxes . Any benign tumor impinging on the nasal cavity may, in fact, result in epistaxis as has been reported in pyogenic granulomas and oncocytomas .…”