How to check for nasal polyps

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Nasal polyps are benign space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities. There are several aspects to the examination of nasal polyps: Firstly, an anterior rhinoscopy examination can be performed. If the nasal polyps are large, or even protruding outside the nasal cavity, they can be directly seen. Anterior rhinoscopy enlarges the nasal cavity, allowing visualization of the middle nasal meatus and other tissues inside the nasal cavity. Secondly, a nasal endoscopy can be utilized. Nasal endoscopy is particularly effective for viewing polyps located deeper within, or at the back of the nasal passages, providing very clear visibility. Other examinations, such as electronic rhinoendoscopy, follow the same procedure. The third examination involves a sinus CT scan, which is helpful for identifying the origin of the nasal polyps, as well as the location, range, and extent of obstruction caused by the polyps. Another examination is the pathological examination after nasal polyp surgery, which aids in determining the origin and risk associated with the nasal polyps, as well as assisting in subsequent treatments.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be treated with laser?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms of the nasal cavity or sinus cavity. The current treatments for nasal polyps include medication and endoscopic surgical removal. Clinically, lasers like the CO2 laser are primarily suited for precise operations. Nasal polyps are generally quite large, so lasers are typically not used for their treatment. Clinically, a suction cutter is mainly used to remove nasal polyps. Previously, when less advanced and without suction cutters, lasers might have been attempted, but now lasers are basically no longer used for treatment because their indications do not align with those for nasal polyps.

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Written by Xu Jian You
Otolaryngology
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How to completely treat nasal polyps?

The radical treatment method for nasal polyps is surgical removal, which is the main treatment method for nasal polyps. The traditional nasal polyp surgery is performed under frontal mirror illumination, using a snare or polyp forceps to remove the polyps. It cannot be completely obscured, may damage normal structures, is not easy to remove cleanly, and is prone to recurrence. Over the past 30 years, with the popularization of endoscopy, nasal polyp surgery has greatly improved. Now, under the nasal endoscope, the base of the nasal polyps can be clearly identified and cleanly removed. Most nasal polyps are associated with sinusitis or originate from the sinuses, so it is also necessary to perform simultaneous sinus opening surgery under the endoscope to thoroughly remove the diseased tissue, greatly reducing the recurrence rate of nasal polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How is nasal polyps treated?

Nasal polyps are a common clinical condition, prevalent in the nasal and sinus cavities as benign space-occupying lesions. Clinically, these polyps appear as translucent, lychee-like neoplasms. The primary clinical treatment for nasal polyps is surgical, typically performed with an endoscope to remove the polyps, mainly using a powered system. After nasal polyp surgery, the treatment is not completely finished; regular outpatient follow-ups are necessary to infiltrate the nasal and sinus cavities and remove some of the swollen mucosal tissue, thus preventing the recurrence of nasal polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal polyp surgery painful?

Nasal polyps are space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity. After the discovery of nasal polyps, they are usually removed surgically. Currently, the surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves removing the nasal polyps and opening the sinus ostia. There is no significant pain during the surgery, as it is conducted under general anesthesia. After the surgery, the nasal cavity is packed with some hemostatic materials. There is discomfort when this nasal packing material is removed on the second day after the surgery, but this discomfort is only significant during the removal and subsides afterward. Therefore, there is some pain associated with nasal polyp surgery, but the pain is not very severe.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be treated with medication?

Nasal polyps can be considered for drug treatment, primarily depending on the severity of the nasal polyps. If the condition of the nasal polyps is not particularly severe, most patients can consider conservative drug treatment. Common treatments include nasal spray medications, and the nasal cavity can also be rinsed with saline. If the patient also has rhinitis or sinusitis, oral medication may need to be considered. However, during the treatment process, regular follow-up examinations are necessary to observe the treatment effects. If the effects of medication are not satisfactory and the condition of the nasal polyps is more severe, surgical removal may need to be considered. After surgery, regular follow-up examinations are still necessary to monitor the effects of the surgery.