The difference between nasal polyps and adenoids

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

There are fundamental differences between nasal polyps and adenoids. Nasal polyps are polypoid tissue proliferations located in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities, resembling a peeled lychee. In contrast, adenoids are located in the nasopharynx and are a normal anatomical structure of the human body, whereas nasal polyps are a new benign tumor-like growth. Furthermore, nasal polyps require surgical removal, primarily through functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Adenoids generally do not require surgical treatment unless they are enlarged, causing issues such as snoring and sleep apnea, in which case surgery might be considered.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
58sec home-news-image

Do you need to be hospitalized for nasal polyp surgery?

The surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using endoscopic techniques to excise the polyps. The procedure places high demands on the patient's overall health, but typically yields good results. As such, hospitalization is required for nasal polyp surgery, as it often involves additional procedures such as sinus opening and correction of a deviated nasal septum. Nasal polyps are generally caused by sinusitis, rhinitis, or chronic inflammation over a long period of time. Simply removing the nasal polyps may lead to recurrence. In order to thoroughly treat nasal polyps, and address chronic inflammation, sinus issues, and anatomical abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum, specific treatments are required during surgery. This not only effectively eradicates the nasal polyps but also helps prevent their recurrence. Therefore, hospitalization is required for this type of surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
42sec home-news-image

Is nasal polyps prone to recurrence?

Some patients have nasal polyps that tend to recur. Clinically speaking, nasal polyps are a relatively common nasal disease. If the nasal polyps are more extensive, have been present for a longer time, or are characterized by abundant eosinophilic granulocytes, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively higher. If the duration of nasal polyps is relatively short, the lesions are more localized, and there are no accompanying pathological changes or inflammatory reactions, the probability of recurrence is relatively lower. In such cases, it is generally necessary to have regular follow-up examinations after treatment, and then to make a comprehensive assessment based on the doctor's empirical judgment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Is nasal polyp fungus contagious?

Nasal polyps accompanied by fungal infection generally are not contagious to each other. This disease is not infectious and does not have direct contagion. However, it is necessary to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist promptly after symptoms appear. The patient will need to undergo a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan to assess the severity of the condition. Most patients may need to consider surgical treatment, and after surgery, regular follow-up visits are required to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure. One to two weeks after surgery, nasal irrigation should be performed, which can be done using saline or physiological seawater to help reduce the retention of nasal secretions.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

Nasal polyps minimally invasive surgery how long

Minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps usually refers to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In patients with nasal polyps obstructing the nasal passages, the polyps are removed under visualization using a nasal endoscope. For patients with bilateral nasal polyps, the surgery generally lasts about one to one and a half hours. Patients with nasal polyps typically experience significant symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. These polyps block the sinus openings, affecting sinus drainage, thus surgery is usually necessary. After undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, patients should avoid hot baths, foot baths, and vigorous exercise to prevent post-operative bleeding due to increased blood circulation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
1min home-news-image

What medicine is good for nasal polyps to heal quickly?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity, sometimes originating from the sinuses, characterized as translucent, colorless, lychee-like neoplasms without blood vessels or nerve distribution. Clinically, nasal polyps are primarily diagnosed and removed during nasal endoscopic surgery. Certain medications can be used early in the development of nasal polyps, including corticosteroid drugs such as nasal sprays, nasal corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids. These can control, and in some very small cases, even eliminate nasal polyps. However, this possibility is extremely rare in clinical practice because by the time patients seek treatment for nasal polyps at a hospital, the polyps are usually relatively large, and these medications are no longer effective for fundamental treatment. Therefore, nasal polyps are generally treated surgically. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)