Nasal polyps: epithelium and goblet cell density.

The density of goblet cells was determined in 14 anterior and 15 posterior nasal polyps using the whole-mount method. The specimens were then serial cut and the type of epithelium was determined in nine localities in each polyp. The goblet cell density was correlated to the epithelial type. Pseudostratified, cylindrical epithelium was the prevailing type, occurring in 62% of anterior localities and 78% of posterior localities. Transitional types of epithelium were found in 33% of the anterior and 19% of the posterior localities. Stratified squamous epithelium occurred in 5% and 3%, respectively. The goblet cell density was highest in hyperplastic pseudostratified epithelium, whereas it was four times lower in transitional epithelium and even lower in squamous epithelium. Marked differences in the distribution of epithelium and goblet cell density were found between anterior and posterior polyps, illustrating that the epithelium constantly changes under the influence of air current, contact with other polyps, infection, growth, and age of the polyp as well as other unknown factors.