The role of apoptosis and the Fas/FasL system in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps was investigated by detecting the expression of Fas and FasL in nasal polyps. Methods Expression of Fas and FasL in 35 nasal polyps and 17 normal inferior turbinate tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The types and distribution characteristics of Fas and FasL-positive cells were analyzed. Results 1, The expression of both Fas and FasL in nasal polyp tissues was significantly enhanced compared with normal inferior turbinate tissues, and the difference was significant. 2, Fas was positively expressed in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells, mainly in the epithelial cells on the surface of polyps and inflammatory cells in the mesenchyme. Conclusion 1, Fas/FasL system-mediated apoptosis has an important role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps, and may be an important factor in the long-term maintenance of benign proliferation of nasal polyps. 2, The high expression of FasL in epithelial cells of nasal polyps is associated with the overproliferation of epithelial cells and the immunosurveillance role of the Fas/FasL system.