Nasal Polyps Flashcards
nasal polyps
soft, painless, non-cancerous growths on the lining of nasal passages or sinuses
what are they often assoicated with
non-allergic asthma
typical patient with nasal polyps
male and over 40
children with nasal polyps
rare, rule out neoplasms and cystic fibrosis
histology of nasal polyps
ciliated columnar epithelium with a thickened basement membrane and an avascular oedematous stroma
how do eosinophils appear on H&E stain
pink - this would be an allergic polyp
aetiology of nasal polyps
unclear, from chronic sinus inflammation (>12 weeks) due to eg allergy, infection, asthma, nickel exposure, rhinosinusitis, CF
risk factors for nasal polyps
atopy, aspirin sensitivity, allergic fungal sinusits, CF, Churg-Strauss
common sites for nasal polyps
middle turbinates, middle meatus, ethmoids
symptoms of nasal polyps
smaller ones may not cause symptoms
larger ones/groups of can block the nasal passages or lead to breathing problems,anosmia and frequent infections
symptoms of nasal polyps associated with inflammation of lining of nasal passages and sinuses
- Watery anterior rhinorrhea
- Purulent postnatal drip
- Sinusitis
- Headaches
- Nasal obstruction – mouth-breathing, snoring, change in voice
- Anosmia/hyposmia/taste disturbance
how are nasal polyps distinguished from hypertrophied turbinates
they are pale, mobile and painless on gentle palpation
treatment of nasal polyps
oral then topical steroid eg betamethasone will decrease the inflammation of the sinus mucosa to decrease the size of the polyp and improve symptoms
recurrence is common after the steroid is stopped
decongestants will decrease swelling and provide some relief
surgery available
endoscopic polypectomy
