Is surgery necessary for nasal polyps?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms that occupy the spaces of the nasal cavity and sinuses. Clinically, once nasal polyps appear, they are generally removed through surgery. Currently, the main clinical approach is functional endoscopic sinus surgery. For some early-stage small nasal polyps, medications such as corticosteroids, methylprednisolone, and prednisone can be used for treatment, which can cause the gradual disappearance of very small polyps, a process known as chemical resection. In clinical practice, when nasal polyps are detected, they are usually relatively large, so once polyps are discovered during a hospital visit, treatment is typically conducted through surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is the recurrence rate of nasal polyps high?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. Generally, the recurrence rate of nasal polyps is not particularly high. However, some patients are more likely to experience recurrences, especially those with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or familial genetic factors. These patients are relatively more prone to recurrence. Additionally, incomplete surgery or failure to timely visit an otolaryngology clinic for postoperative nasal cavity cleaning can also lead to recurrence. After treatment, it is necessary to have regular check-ups to monitor the recovery of the condition. If early symptoms of recurrence appear, targeted conservative medical treatment can be administered. After such treatment, many patients' conditions can be well controlled.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps bleeding is a symptom.

Nasal polyps accompanied by bleeding can have various causes. It might be due to hemorrhagic polyps, bleeding from the nasal mucosa, rupture of small blood vessels due to dry nasal cavities, or potentially sinusitis associated with the nasal polyps causing the bleeding. A small number of patients may have blood disorders such as coagulation dysfunction or thrombocytopenia. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist for a nasopharyngoscope examination, complete blood count, and coagulation function tests to determine the specific causes of the condition, and then to proceed with targeted treatment. Surgery might be considered for some patients.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be seen with the naked eye?

Nasal polyps can be visible to the naked eye, but this is only in cases of more severe nasal polyp patients. In some severe cases, the polyps grow into and protrude from the nasal cavity, at which point a pale white, lychee-like polyp neoplasm can usually be seen in the nostril. For patients with nasal polyps, blockage of the nasal passages can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and runny nose. At this time, functional endoscopic sinus surgery can be used to remove the polyps from the patient's nasal cavity, thereby restoring normal ventilation function of the nasal passages, improving symptoms of sinus obstruction, and achieving a cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Are nasal polyps likely to be malignant?

Nasal polyps generally have a low chance of being malignant, as they are typically considered benign lesions and are a relatively common condition in otolaryngology. The main consideration is the specific number of polyps; if there are fewer polyps and they are localized, and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, this situation generally can be managed with medication treatment and regular follow-up. However, if the nasal polyps are extensive and accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and dizziness, surgery is generally considered. After the surgery, a pathological biopsy will be necessary to accurately determine whether the polyps are benign or malignant based on the biopsy results.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is nasal polyp treated?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the severity of the condition. It is advisable to undergo a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan. For cases where the nasal polyps are few and the clinical symptoms are mild, conservative medical treatment may be considered, typically involving the use of nasal spray medications, along with saline nasal irrigation. If the nasal polyps are numerous and the clinical symptoms are severe, and if conservative medical treatment is ineffective, nasal endoscopic polypectomy surgery may be considered. This is a minimally invasive surgery that generally yields good results, with less damage and a quicker recovery.