Difference of antrochoanal polyp between children and adults

The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics of the antrochoanal polyp (ACP) and to compare the differences between children and adults.

This study was performed in 56 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for ACP between 2004 and 2014. The study population was subdivided into children (≤8 years old) and adults (>18 years old). Clinical findings of ACP, including symptoms, CT stages, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

CT Stage II and III lesions were more common than CT stage I lesions in children (p<0.001). Accompanying maxillary sinus diseases were more common in adults (p<0.005). Purely endoscopic surgery for ACPs was performed in all children and 25 (86.2%) adults. The combined approach, endoscopic and canine fossa approach, was applied in 4 (13.8%) adults. The success rate was 88.9% in children and 93.1% in adults. According to the approach method, the success rate was 90.4% for the purely endoscopic approach and 100% for the combined approach.

High incidence of CT stage II and III lesions in the child group with ACP in our study suggests that children with ACP present at a more advanced state because of late diagnosis. Accompanying maxillary sinus diseases can be present in patients with ACP, especially adults, which should be considered preoperatively and treated appropriately.