Histology of nasal polyps in various conditions

At the Salata ENT Department in Zagreb, 28 patients with nasal polyps were examined in the 1992-1993 period. Results of histologic analysis of these nasal polyps are presented. In 10 cases, nasal polyps were histologically examined at three horizontal levels, and the rest by vertical section. The method of hemalaun eoisin and histochemical methods (PAS, Alcian, Mallory, Giemsa and orcein) were used to analyze the following parameters: epithelium, stroma, basement membrane, cell infiltrate and glands. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of allergy, relapse of polyps and age group ( < 40 and > 40 years of age). The lateral nasal wall mucosa served as control. Histologic picture of the polyps showed some differences related to allergy and other groups of polyposis. In conclusion, histologic study of polyps should not be taken as the only indicator of the etiology of polyposis but, supplemented with other examinations, as an evidence supporting the diagnosis.