Role of Histopathology in The Diagnosis of Nasal Polypoidal Masses

Nasal polyps were first described more than 2500 years ago and comprise the most common group of mass lesion encountered in the nose. The word polyp comes from Greek although it was subsequently latinized and means many footed (polypous). Oedematous, hypertrophied and sagged masses of nasal mucous mem- brane covered with columnar and ciliated epithelium are called nasal polyp. They may be solitary or multiple, pe- dunculate or sessile, unilateral or bilateral. Polyps were recognized as projection of mucous membrane developing in association with chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, but more especially with allergic disease and polypoid benign and malignant neoplasm. For the reason it becomes important that all polyps and polypoidal lesions of nose should be submitted for histopathological examinations. Therefore, types of polyps, their histomorphology, etiopathogenesis, and the contribu- tion of allergy, bacterial infection and other causes of formation of polyps will need to be evaluated.