Types of Encephalocele by Location
Nasal encephalocele
A nasal encephalocele is an encephalocele that appears as a mass in or around the nose.
In short: Nasal encephalocele
- It must be imaged before any biopsy because it connects to the brain and contains CSF.
- It is part of the differential diagnosis with nasal glioma and dermoid cyst.
- Biopsy before imaging risks a CSF leak and meningitis.
- ENT and neurosurgery often share its care.
What it is
It is an encephalocele presenting as a nasal mass — a swelling in or around the nose that connects, through the skull base, to the brain and its fluid spaces.
Understanding Nasal encephalocele
A nasal mass in a child should be evaluated with imaging before any procedure, because cutting into an encephalocele can cause a cerebrospinal fluid leak and serious infection. The differential diagnosis includes nasal glioma (which does not connect to the brain) and dermoid cyst, so distinguishing among them is important — and imaging is how that distinction is safely made. ENT and neurosurgery often share the care of nasal encephaloceles, frequently using an endoscopic approach for repair.
Why it matters
The single most important practical point is that a nasal mass should be imaged, not biopsied, first. Understanding this protects against a dangerous procedure and explains the cautious, imaging-first approach to nasal masses in children.
Common questions
Why not biopsy a nasal mass first?
It may be an encephalocele connected to the brain.
What else can a nasal mass be?
A nasal glioma or dermoid cyst, among others.
Who treats a nasal encephalocele?
Often ENT and neurosurgery together.
Bottom line
A nasal encephalocele presents as a nasal mass and must be imaged before any biopsy.
Browse all 265 Encephalocele definitions
Read the Encephalocele patient guides
Not sure which page you need? Put words to it with the symptom navigator