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Study of nasal surface basophilic cells in patients with nasal polyp
Abstract:
Surface basophilic cells in samples obtained from the inferior concha of nasal polyp patients were examined microscopically. Although the cells were believed to be specific to nasal allergy patients, we were also able to observe them in nasal polyp patients without nasal allergy. These cells were found in 5% of normal controls, in 14% of patients with chronic sinusitis without nasal polyp, in 65% with nasal polyp and in 91% with nasal allergy. In patients with unilateral nasal polyp the surface basophilic cells increased on the side with nasal polyp but not on the side without nasal polyp. As the nasal polyp grew in size, so the number of cells grew. After the polyp was removed, the cells decreased appreciably in number. With regard to other nasal diseases, surface basophilic cells were observed in 80% of tracheotomized patients, in 88% of laryngectomized patients due to laryngeal cancer, in 100% of patients with a tumor in nasal cavity, in 100% of patients with irradiation treatment of the nasal cavity and in 90% of patients with atrophic rhinitis. The surface basophilic cells seem to increase in number through some mechanism induced by a blockage of nasal airway by nasal polyp.
Insights
Surface basophilic cells are present in nasal polyps, even without allergies. Their numbers increase with polyp size and decrease after removal, suggesting a link to nasal airway blockage.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Surface basophilic cells were historically associated with allergic rhinitis.
- Their presence and significance in other sinonasal conditions were less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and correlation of surface basophilic cells in nasal polyp patients, with or without allergies.
- To compare their occurrence in various sinonasal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of inferior concha samples from patients with nasal polyps and other sinonasal conditions.
- Comparison with normal controls and patients with allergic rhinitis.
Main Results:
- Surface basophilic cells were found in 5% of normal controls, 14% with chronic sinusitis, 65% with nasal polyps, and 91% with nasal allergy.
- Cell numbers correlated with nasal polyp size and decreased post-surgery.
- High prevalence was also noted in tracheotomized (80%), laryngectomized (88%), nasal tumors (100%), nasal irradiation (100%), and atrophic rhinitis (90%) patients.
Conclusions:
- Surface basophilic cells are not exclusive to nasal allergy and are significantly present in nasal polyps.
- Their increase appears linked to nasal airway obstruction, particularly by nasal polyps.