Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats

Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign growths that occur in kittens and young adult cats. Their origin is unknown, but they are often attached to the base of the eustachian tube. They can extend into the external ear canal, middle ear, pharynx, and nasal cavity. Grossly they are pink, polypoid growths, often arising from a stalk. Their gross appearance can be mistaken for neoplasia.

Respiratory signs caused by nasopharyngeal polyps in cats include stertorous breathing, upper airway obstruction, and serousto-mucopurulent nasal discharge. Signs of otitis externa or otitis media/interna, such as head tilt, nystagmus, or Horner's syndrome can also occur.

Identification of a soft tissue opacity above the soft palate radiographically and gross visualization of a mass in the nasopharynx, nasal cavity, or external ear canal support a tentative diagnosis of nasopharyngeal polyp in cats. Complete evaluation of cats with polyps also includes a deep ostocopic examination and radiographs of the osseous bullae to determine the extent of involvement. The majority of cats with polyps have otitis media detectable radiographically as thickened bone or increase soft tissue opacity of the bullae. The definitive diagnosis is made by histopathologic analysis of tissue biopsy; the specimen is usually obtained during surgical excision. Nasopharyngeal polyps are composed of inflammatory tissue, fibrous connective tissue, and epithelium.

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