Choanal polyps in children and adults: 10-year experience from a tertiary care hospital

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Rhinology

Background:

• Choanal polyps (CPs) are benign lesions originating in the nasal cavity and extending into the nasopharynx.
• Understanding the distinct clinical and histological features of CPs in pediatric versus adult populations is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively evaluate and compare the clinical and histological characteristics of choanal polyps in children and adult patients.
• To identify specific features of CPs that may be more prevalent in the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patient data including demographics, presenting complaints, side and location of polyps, surgical approach, and histological findings.
• Analysis of associated conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, as well as postoperative follow-up and recurrence rates.
• Statistical comparison of characteristics between pediatric and adult patient groups.

Main Results:

• Seventy-eight patients with CPs were analyzed; 22 were children and 56 were adults.
• Oropharyngeal extension (27% vs 7%), angiomatous histological type (18% vs 5.3%), allergic rhinitis association (32% vs 18%), and chronic maxillary rhinosinusitis (32% vs 14%) were significantly more frequent in children.
• No significant difference in main nasal complaints or recurrence rates was observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Choanal polyps exhibit specific characteristics in children compared to adults.
• Pediatric CPs are more frequently associated with oropharyngeal extension, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and an angiomatous histological subtype.
• These findings highlight the need for tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches for pediatric choanal polyps.