Background: Rhinoliths are masses of calcified nature seen in the nasal cavity. It is a rare condition caused by gradual deposition of calcium and magnesium over an object which could be thick mucus plug or a piece of paper or seed. In such conditions the symptoms usually develop over the years causing persistent unilateral nasal discharge which could be foul smelling or bloodstained associated with nasal obstruction.
Case description: We report one such case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with similar complaints in the right nostril, on evaluating her we were surprised to see the huge bizarre shaped rhinolith.
Conclusion: A relatively rare condition is rhinolith, suspicion needs to be given in cases who present with unilateral foul-smelling rhinorrhea with bony hard mass seen in nasal cavity during examination. Computed tomography will help in planning the procedure. In cases with huge irregular rhinolith bleeding needs to be anticipated hence general anesthesia should be considered.
Clinical significance: Suspicion of rhinolith needs to be given in cases who present with long-standing unilateral foul-smelling rhinorrhea after excluding other differential diagnoses by doing a computed tomography of paranasal sinuses.
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