Anatomic Site of Origin of Nasal Polyps: Endoscopic Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Surgery as a Screening Method for Nasal Polyps in an Autopsy Material

Abstract

Systematic examination of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity followed by endoscopic endonasal surgery was performed in 31 cadavers, polyps being found in 13. In all, a total of 27 polyps was found. Only four patients had a case history of allergy or sinusitis. The polyps and their place of origin were documented photographically. A total of 70% of the polyps originated in the ostia, clefts, or recesses. In three patients, polyps originated on the middle turbinate, and in one the agger nasi area, indicating that polyp formation in the ethmoidal sinuses and other paranasal sinuses is secondary to the formation of polyps in the sinus ostia, clefts, and recesses.