Can a deviated septum be detected by a CT scan?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

A CT scan can detect a deviated nasal septum, which is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from trauma or pressure from nasal tumors. When the nasal septum is deviated, it can cause persistent nasal congestion on both sides, as well as facial swelling, headaches, and may also lead to sinusitis or nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination using an electronic nasal endoscope and a sinus CT scan at the hospital. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe and accompanied by nasal congestion and headaches, surgical correction of the deviated septum may be necessary to completely resolve the symptoms.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone structure of the nasal septum are off to one side or both sides of the nasal cavities, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Clinically, the formation of a deviated septum is commonly caused by trauma. Other factors include congenital and acquired reasons. Congenitally, it may be due to compression during childbirth, and acquired reasons may include conditions like rhinitis or enlarged adenoids, leading to nasal dysfunction. This affects the development of the nasal septum, particularly the uneven growth of the septal cartilage and bones, which results in the deviation of the septum, primarily due to these factors.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Can a deviated nasal septum become cancerous?

A deviated nasal septum does not lead to cancer, as the main cause of a deviated nasal septum is either congenital malformation or trauma resulting in nasal fractures or deviations. The primary site of deviation is the cartilage of the nasal septum or the posterior bony part. This may lead to narrowing of the nasal passageway, potentially causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and nosebleeds. However, overall, this condition is benign and unlikely to become cancerous. In terms of treatment, minor deviations might not require any intervention, but prominent deviations causing clinical symptoms might necessitate surgical correction.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
46sec home-news-image

What are the dangers of deviated septum and enlarged turbinates?

Nasal septal deviation and hypertrophy of the turbinates refer to the cartilaginous and bony parts of the nasal septum leaning towards one side, or both sides, of the nasal cavity, which interferes with the normal drainage function of the nasal passage. The deviation of the nasal septum to one side can cause compensatory hypertrophy of the turbinate on the same side, primarily the enlargement of the inferior turbinate. Clinically, this is mainly manifested by symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Therefore, for severe nasal septal deviation, it is often necessary to perform a sinus CT scan to determine the degree of deviation, followed by endoscopic surgery to correct the deviation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Is the deviated nasal septum bone removed directly?

A deviated nasal septum refers to the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum being skewed towards one or both sides of the nasal cavities, leading to a series of symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum is usually carried out under nasal endoscopy. The surgery involves the removal of the deviated cartilage and bone tissue while preserving the mucosa. Since the mucosa is straight, this corrects the deviated nasal septum, thereby clearing the nasal passages. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches can be effectively alleviated through surgery, so for severe cases of deviated nasal septum, surgical removal is often adopted.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 11sec home-news-image

Can a deviated septum be seen from the outside?

A deviated nasal septum is not apparent externally; it requires a hospital examination including a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan for a definitive diagnosis. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, with about 90% of people having some degree of deviation. This condition is mainly due to abnormal nasal septum development during the embryonic stage or due to trauma to the nasal septum or compression from nasal tumors occurring later. When the nasal septum deviates to one or both sides, it primarily causes persistent, progressive nasal obstruction on both sides. It also accompanies symptoms like mucous nasal discharge, a sense of swelling or a foreign body in the nasal cavity, facial pain, and headaches. A deviated nasal septum can also lead to complications such as sinusitis and nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed at a hospital with a nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scan. Treatment involves surgical correction of the deviated nasal septum, which can cure the condition.