Nasal cavity, Mucous polyp, Alcian blue stain

Nasal mucous polyps are small sac-like growths of inflamed nasal mucosa, and are common in people with cystic fibrosis. In patients with cystic fibrosis, these polyps can be seen at earlier ages.

Mucin can be highlighted by Alcian blue (shown) and/or Hale’s stain. Often, microbes can be seen in these polyps. Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus are two commonly found organisms in these salt-heavy environments. In this case, some cultures were obtained from the area, which showed heavy growth of Staphylococcus, and these organisms can be seen on the Gram stain. With these histological findings and the history of cystic fibrosis, this case was signed out as “mucous polyp, status cystic fibrosis”.

Similar inflammatory polyps can be seen in older individuals, often with history of atopic disease. Eosinophils are often more numerous in such cases.

This slide shows Alcian blue stain. See related content for H&E and Gram stains.