Regarding nasal polyps, all of the following statements are correct EXCEPT:

Explanation

## Analysis of Nasal Polyp Characteristics ### Key Point: **Unilateral nasal polyps in an adult warrant imaging and biopsy to exclude malignancy**, particularly inverting papilloma or squamous cell carcinoma. This is a critical safety principle in ENT. ### Review of Each Statement | Statement | Accuracy | Rationale | |-----------|----------|----------| | Antrochoanal polyps | ✓ Correct | Arise from maxillary sinus mucosa, extend through ostium into choanae; typically unilateral and benign | | Allergic fungal sinusitis | ✓ Correct | Presents with polyps, eosinophilic mucin, fungal hyphae (often Aspergillus or Bipolaris); non-invasive | | CF-associated polyps | ✓ Correct | CF patients have 25–50% prevalence; due to abnormal mucus and chronic inflammation | | Unilateral polyps = benign | ✗ **INCORRECT** | Unilateral polyps require high suspicion for malignancy; imaging (CT/MRI) and biopsy are mandatory | ### Clinical Pearl: **High-Yield:** Unilateral nasal masses in adults are malignant until proven otherwise. Inverting papilloma and carcinoma commonly present as unilateral polyps. Always image and biopsy. ### Warning: Do not dismiss a unilateral nasal polyp as "just a benign polyp." This is a common pitfall that delays diagnosis of inverting papilloma or malignancy. ### Mnemonic for Red Flags in Nasal Polyps: **UNILATERAL = URGENT** - **U**nilateral mass - **N**eeds imaging (CT/MRI) - **I**nverting papilloma risk - **L**ate presentation of cancer - **A**lways biopsy - **T**umor exclusion mandatory - **E**arly ENT referral - **R**adiology assessment - **A**void delayed diagnosis - **L**ow threshold for intervention