Nasal Polyps

Soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages

Aetiology

  • Common (not in children)
  • Equal sex distribution
  • Often associated with non-allergic asthma
  • Other causes include allergy, infection, aspirin sensitivity and nickel exposure
  • If young consider cystic fibrosis

Pathophysiology

  • Occur with inflammation and oedema of the sinus nasal mucosa
  • This oedematous mucosa prolapses into the nasal caviity and can cause significant obstruction

Histology

  • Lined by respiratory or squamous epithelium, oedematous stroma containing mixed inflammatory cells +/- eosinophils

Clinical presentation

  • Blocked nose
  • Runny nose
  • Reduced sense of taste or smell

Investigations

Nasoendoscopy

  • Polyps visible
notion image

Management

  • Treat with oral then topical steroids
  • If the polyps are large or unresponsive surgical removal is necessary