Which of the following is the most common histopathological type of nasal polyp?

Explanation

## Histopathological Classification of Nasal Polyps **Key Point:** Inflammatory (allergic) polyps account for >90% of all nasal polyps and are the most common type encountered in clinical practice. ### Characteristics of Inflammatory Polyps - **Histology:** Edematous stroma with sparse inflammatory infiltrate, intact mucosa - **Origin:** Arise from lateral nasal wall near ostiomeatal complex - **Association:** Strongly linked to allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis - **Bilateral:** Often bilateral (60–70% of cases) - **Benign:** No malignant potential ### Comparison with Other Types | Polyp Type | Frequency | Histology | Bilaterality | Malignant Potential | |---|---|---|---|---| | Inflammatory (Allergic) | >90% | Edematous, sparse inflammation | Bilateral (60–70%) | None | | Antrochoanal | 4–6% | Fibromuscular with cystic spaces | Unilateral (95%) | None | | Inverted Papilloma | 0.5–4% | Intact mucosa, intact basement membrane | Unilateral | High (5–15%) | | Fungal (AFS) | <1% | Fungal hyphae, eosinophilic mucin | Often bilateral | None | **High-Yield:** Inflammatory polyps are the default diagnosis in a patient with nasal obstruction and polyps unless specific features (unilateral, cystic, fungal staining) suggest otherwise. **Clinical Pearl:** The presence of bilateral nasal polyps in a child should raise suspicion for cystic fibrosis; genetic testing (CFTR mutation analysis) is warranted in this age group.