DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i06.017

Pages: 2108-2116

Nasal polyps comprise the most common tumor like, non-neoplastic polypoid masses arising from nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The aim of our study was to correlate histopathological diagnosis with local eosinophilia in tissue sections and peripheral IgE levels, and the underlying inflammatory response with clinical presentation. Systemic eosinophilia was calculated along with mast cell quantification. A total of 100 cases clinically diagnosed as nasal polyp, received from the Department of ENT, AIMSR over a period of one and a half year from 1st April 2014 to 30th September 2015 were included in the study. Sections were stained routinely with Haematoxylin and Eosin. Toluidine blue stain was carried out on sections which were diagnosed as non-neoplastic polyps on haematoxylin and Eosin stain. Mast cells in inflammatory polyps were counted in the epithelium and stroma. Age of patients in the study ranged from 5 years to 69years. Out of 110 cases studied, 74% of them were non-allergic and 26% were allergic. Nasal obstruction was the commonest symptom. Mast cells were higher in allergic than in non-allergic polyps. There was a significant correlation between local and systemic eosinophilia. The IgE levels were more in allergic than in non-allergic cases. Different inflammatory cells also correlated with specific clinical presentation. A complete and accurate diagnosis of polypoidal lesions of nose is possible only when histopathological findings were studied along with clinical features. Mast cells should be considered as potential targets for the management of various airway diseases. Histopathological examination remains indispensable for appropriate classification, characterization and treatment of the nasal polyps.