Mast cells in polyps of the vocal folds [Vocal cords]: a clinicopathological study

This study was carried out on 30 surgically excised polyps of the vocal folds. Sections from each polyp were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as toluidine blue pH 4. The same stains, were applied to sections from 5 control specimens. In 22 polyps, the mean number of mast cells/high power field was 0-4. Similar to control specimens, but in 8 polyps [26.7%] the mean count of mast cells/high power field was high. Eosinophils were detected in 25% of the polyps with high counts of mast cells and marked oedema was observed in 50% of these polyps. The results of the present study suggested that hypersensitivity reactions may play a role in the pathogenesis of at least some of the vocal fold polyps. A trial of medication with antiallergic drugs suggested before surgery is decided