Introduction:
It is rather important to classify and stage nasal polyposis in order to decide the magnitude of the disease and to decide on the optimal management modality. Various methods of classification and categorization of nasal polypi have been attempted. These methods can be classified into:
The fact that numerous scoring system have been devised indicate that none of them are fool proof.
Questionnaire based categorization:
Disease based questionnaires are more sensitive than very general quality of life questionnaires. Classically disease specific questionnaire should contain the following parameters:
a. Assessment of facial pain
b. Nasal blockage
c. Olfaction
d. Nasal discharge
e. Post nasal drip
These questionnaires are generally used to assess the patient's response to a treatment modality over a period of time. Most important bothersome complaint of patients with nasal polyposis is nasal blockage and impaired olfaction. None of the questionaires designed so far are specific for nasal polyposis.
Grading system dependent on CT scan findings:
Lund Mackay scoring system is the most widely used grading system for chronic rhinosinusitis. This scoring system consists of a scale of 0-2 dependent on the absence, partial or complete opacification of the sinus system and the osteomeatal complex. This scoring system derives a maximum score of 12 per side.
Table illustrating Lund Mackay scoring system
Zinreich modification of Lund Mackay scoring system:
This modification proposed by Zinreich allows more discrimination in grading sinusitis.
This system scores each sinus involvement over a scale of 0-5, and the osteomeatal complex involvement into 1 and 2.
Score 0 – 0% opacity of sinuses
Score 1 – 25% opacification of the affected sinus
Score 2 – 26-50% opacification of affected sinus
Score 3 – 51-75% opacification of affected sinus
Score 4 – 76 – 99% opacification of affected sinus
Score 5 – 100% opacification of affected sinus
Lund Kennedy scoring system helps in categorizing nasal polyposis. This scoring system involves meticulous endoscopy study of of nose and paranasal sinuses. This scoring system can also be used to study post operative results following endoscopic sinus surgery.
Post operative scoring system of Lund Kennedy:
Hadley's clinical scoring system of nasal polyposis include categorization of nasal polypi in relation to their sizes. These have been subdivided into 4 stages.
Stage 0 – No visible nasal polyp
Stage 1 – Small amount of polypoidal tissue confined to the middle meatus
Stage 2 – Multiple polypi occupying the middle meatus
Stage 3 – Polypi extending beyond the middle meatus
Stage 4 – Polyp completely obstructing the nasal cavity
A modification of this system includes one more stage i.e. Stage 5 which includes polyp touching the floor of the nasal cavity.
Diagram showing the 5 stage clinical scoring system of nasal polypi
Histologic categorization:
In this system the nasal polypi has been categorized into eosinophilic and non eosinophilic. This is very relevant in deciding the optimal management modality. Eosinophilic nasal polyposis is considered to be more steroid responsive than that of non eosinophilic one.