A debt repaid? A case of an unusual foreign body found in the nasal cavity

Abstract

The appearance of nasal foreign bodies is well reported in children but hardly ever seen in adults. These objects are often easily identified and removed. This report documents an unusual case of a bank note lodged in the nasal cavity of an adult male. The foreign body in question presented a significant diagnostic challenge both from a clinical and radiological perspective. Careful review of the case history, as well as clinical and radiographic features, led to appropriate management and avoidance of unnecessary interventions. Clinicians involved in head and neck surgery and radiology should suspect, and be aware of the radiographic appearance, of a wide variety of foreign bodies.