Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2010 Jun;3(2):110-114. 10.3342/ceo.2010.3.2.110.

Evaluation and Management of Antrochoanal Polyps

• Yaman H
• Yilmaz S
• Karali E
• Guclu E
• Ozturk O

• KMID: 1460599
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/ceo.2010.3.2.110

Abstract

Antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) are benign polypoid lesions arising from the maxillary antrum and they extend into the choana. They occur more commonly in children and young adults, and they are almost always unilateral. The etiopathogenesis of ACPs is not clear. Nasal obstruction and nasal drainage are the most common presenting symptoms. The differential diagnosis should include the causes of unilateral nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scans are the main diagnostic techniques, and the treatment of ACPs is always surgical. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and powered instrumentation during FESS for complete removal of ACPs are extremely safe and effective procedures. Physicians should focus on detecting the exact origin and extent of the polyp to prevent recurrence.

Keyword

Antrochoanal polyp; Diagnosis; Nasal obstruction; Treatment

MeSH Terms

Child
Diagnosis, Differential
Drainage
Endoscopy
Humans
Maxillary Sinus
Nasal Obstruction
Polyps
Recurrence
Young Adult

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Appearance of an antrochoanal polyp behind the uvula and the soft palate.

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  Fig. 2 Nasal endoscopic view of an antrochoanal polyp.

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  Fig. 3 Coronal computed tomography image of an antrochoanal polyp on the right side

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  Fig. 4 Coronal CT image of an antrochoanal polyp extending to both choana.

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  Fig. 5 Gross appearance of an antrochoanal polyp.

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