What are the difference between nasal polyp and nasal papilloma?

Nasal polyps and nasal papillomas, specifically inverted papillomas, are both types of growths that can occur in the nasal cavity, but they have distinct characteristics:

A) Nasal Polyps:
– Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses.
– They hang down like teardrops or grapes.
– They result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity or certain immune disorders.

B) Nasal Papillomas (Inverted Papillomas):
– Inverted papillomas are benign epithelial neoplasms that occur in the mucosal lining of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
– They sometimes appear similar to a nasal polyp.
– However, inverted papillomas can disrupt adjacent bony structures and rarely can transform into a malignant cancer.

In essence, a polyp is a broad term defined by its macroscopic appearance, while a papilloma is a type of polyp categorized by its microscopic characteristics. It’s important to note that while both are generally benign, they can cause similar symptoms such as nasal obstruction, runny nose, and postnasal drip. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment.