A young Chinese man was shocked to discover that a dice had been lodged in his nasal cavity for more than 20 years, reports the South China Morning Post. The man, 23, known simply as Xiaoma from Xian, Shanxi province, northern China, had been suffering from chronic sneezing, nasal congestion, and a constant runny nose for nearly a month.

After unsuccessful attempts to treat himself with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), he sought medical help at Xian Gaoxin Hospital. The hospital diagnosed him with allergic rhinitis and identified a foreign object in his nasal passage, according to the clinic’s medical record. Later, an examination through nasal endoscopy conducted by Yang Rong, an otolaryngologist at the hospital, revealed a dice lodged in his nasal cavity

“During the nasal endoscopy, we discovered a foreign object – a white lump coated with secretions. Upon extraction, it turned out to be a two-cm dice, partially corroded from being lodged in his nasal cavity for an extended period. It was located in the lower nasal passage, causing damage to the nasal mucosa,” Yang explained.

Xiaoma recalled that the dice may have accidentally entered his nose when he was about three or four years old, although it remains unclear how it ended up there.

However, the situation was particularly dangerous because the dice had adhered to the surrounding tissues over the years. Any improper handling during the procedure could have caused it to fall into his airway, potentially leading to suffocation.

Fortunately, the dice was successfully removed through surgery.