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Nasal Polyps

(1) Scanning electron microscopy and artifact (2) Fine structure of mast cells

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. B. Drake-Lee*
Affiliation:
Senior Registrar, ENT Department.
T. H. W. Barker
Affiliation:
Senior Registrar, Department of Histopathology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB22QQ.
K. W. Thurley
Affiliation:
Technical Officer, Department of Anatomy, Downing Street, Cambrige CB2 2DY.
*
A. B. Drake-Lee, The Professorial Unit, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, Gray's Inn Road, Londan WCIX 8DA.

(1) summary

Nasal polyps are grossly oedematous tissue which has undergone considerable shrinkage when processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), converting the normally smooth surface into one with undulations. This shrinkage resulted in variable degrees of loss of the surface epithelium and thus gave rise to artifact. In its severest form, the entire surface epithelium was removed and the basement membrane exposed; lesser damage resulted in exposure of the basal cells, giving the previously described ‘cobblestone’ appearance. When the epithelium was intact, it was typical respiratory in type.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1984

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