Comparative karyometric study of the glandular epithelium of normal nasal mucosa and rhinosinus polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Rhinosinus polyposis, characterized by a degeneration of the nasal mucosa of the middle meatus, is poorly understood but probably is correlated with several clinical and etiopathogenic entities. Although not definitely characterized, infectious, atopic, inflammatory, genetic, and other factors are involved. The occurrence of malignant degeneration also has been suggested. METHODS: To contribute to the elucidation of the etiopathogenicity of rhinosinus polyps, we performed a karyometric analysis of their glandular mucosa compared with the normal mucosa. RESULTS: A significant increase in nuclear volume was observed, which was not accompanied by changes in shape. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that nuclear alterations may contribute to the pathogenicity of this condition.