Nasal Polyps>>Definition>>Classification>>Ethmoidal polyp>>Antrocoanal polyp>>Prevention>>Complication>>Differential diagnosis
PREVENTION OF RECURRENCE OF NASAL POLYPS
Identify the underlying cause of polyps and treat it accordingly.
COMPLICATIONS OF NASAL POLYPS.
1. Nasal obstruction
2. Insomnia
3. Sinusitis
4. Respiratory tract infections
5. Broadening of nose and increased intercanthal distance.
6. Headache
7. Facial pain.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER IN A CASE OF NASAL POLYPS.
- If a polypus is red and fleshy, friable and has granular surface, especially in older patients, think of malignancy.
- Simple nasal polyp may masquerade a malignancy underneath .Hence all polypi should be subjected to histology.
- A simple polyp in a child may be glioma, an encephalocele or a meningoenccephalocele. It should always be aspirated and fluid examined for CSF.
- Multiple nasal poltpi in children may be associated with mucovisidosis.
- Epistaxis and orbital symptoms associated with a polyp should always arouse the suspicion of malignancy.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS BETWEEN MUCOUS AND ANTROCOANAL POLYPI
S.No |
FEATURES |
MUCOUS POLYP |
ANTROCOANAL POLYP |
1 | Basis | Usually allergic | Usually infective |
2 | Origin | Ethmoid sinuses and middle meatus | Maxillary sinus |
3. | Age | Usually adult | Usually young. |
4. | Side | Usually bilateral | Usually unilateral |
5. | Number | Usually multiple | Usually single |
6. | Surface epithelium | Ciliated columnar | Stratified squamous |
7. | Examination | Easily seen on anterior rhinoscopy | Easily seen on posterior rhinoscopy |
REFERENCES
1. Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat by P.L.Dhingra.( second edition)
2. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2000.
3. Textbook of ear, Nose and Throat by Abdul Ghani.
4. Web sites
http://www.allergyweb.com/articles/nasalpolyps.html
http://www.rxmed.com/illnesses/nasal_polyps.html
http://www.clevelandent.com/polyps.htm