Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Nasopharyngeal polyps occur in the nasal cavity, oral cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube and tympanic bulla. They often arise in the '''tympanic bulla''', extend down the Eustachian tube and enter the '''nasopharynx'''. They can also arise in the nose and extend into the nasopharynx or out of the nasal opening. They can also arise in the middle ear and extend through the tympanic membrane into the '''external ear canal'''.

Nasopharyngeal polyps occur in the nasal cavity, oral cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube and tympanic bulla. They often arise in the '''tympanic bulla''', extend down the Eustachian tube and enter the '''nasopharynx'''. They can also arise in the nose and extend into the nasopharynx or out of the nasal opening. Another possible origin is in the middle ear extending through the tympanic membrane into the '''external ear canal'''.

Nasopharyngeal polyps are '''benign, pedunculated masses that contain or are covered in respiratory epithelium'''.  

Nasopharyngeal polyps are '''benign, pedunculated masses that contain or are covered in respiratory epithelium'''.  

Clinical signs depend on the location of the polyp. The condition is usually '''unilateral''', although bilateral cases can occur.

Clinical signs depend on the location of the polyp. The condition is usually '''unilateral''', although bilateral cases can occur.

Polyps in the middle ear and external ear lead to signs of '''otitis interna, media and externa''' such as: head shaking, ear scratching, vestibular disease, Horner's syndrome, facial nerve paralysis.

Polyps in the middle ear and external ear lead to signs of '''otitis interna, media and [[Otitis Externa - Cat and Dog|externa]]''' such as: head shaking, ear scratching, vestibular disease, Horner's syndrome, facial nerve paralysis.

Polyps in the naso or oro-pharynx are associated with signs such as: '''chronic rhinitis, nasal discharge''', wheezing, stertor, sneezing and dysphagia, gagging and retching.

Polyps in the naso or oro-pharynx are associated with signs such as: '''chronic [[rhinitis]], nasal discharge''', wheezing, stertor, sneezing and dysphagia, gagging and retching.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

'''Removal''' of the polyp is the only method of treatment possible.

'''Removal''' of the polyp is the only method of treatment possible.

<u>'''Traction-avulsion'''</u>: under general anaesthesia, the polyp should be grasped as close to the base of the stalk as possible, and pulled with steady, firm traction. For pharnygeal masses the soft palate may need to be retracted, and for ear canal masses the technique can be performed through an otoscope.

<u>'''Traction-avulsion'''</u>: under general anaesthesia, the polyp should be grasped as close to the base of the stalk as possible, and pulled with steady, firm traction. For pharyngeal masses the soft palate may need to be retracted, and for ear canal masses the technique can be performed through an otoscope.

<u>'''Bulla osteotomy'''</u>: if bulla involvement is detected, this is the preferred method of treatment. A ventral bulla osteotomy is performed, the mass is resected and the epithelial lining of the middle ear is '''curetted'''. This increases the chances of removing the base of the mass, thus preventing recurrence.

<u>'''Bulla osteotomy'''</u>: if bulla involvement is detected, this is the preferred method of treatment. A ventral bulla osteotomy is performed, the mass is resected and the epithelial lining of the middle ear is '''curetted'''. This increases the chances of removing the base of the mass, thus preventing recurrence.

Norsworthy, G. (2010) '''The Feline Patient''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

Norsworthy, G. (2010) '''The Feline Patient''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]

[[Category:Nasopharynx - Pathology]]

[[Category:Nasopharynx - Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory System - Developmental Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory System - Developmental Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory System - Hyperplastic/Neoplastic Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory System - Hyperplastic/Neoplastic Pathology]]