What will happen if nasal polyps are not operated on?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
00:00
00:00

Nasal polyps are a common pathological change in otolaryngology, mainly caused by chronic inflammatory stimuli such as rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to changes in the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps are an abnormal structural change. Once nasal polyps occur, emergency surgical treatment is recommended. If surgery is not performed, the polyps will continue to grow larger, altering some of the anatomical structures of the nasal cavity and occupying space, which can impair nasal function. This may lead to nasal congestion, a decrease in the sense of smell, and changes in the external nose, such as a "frog-like" nose; the nose becomes swollen and large, resembling a frog. Over time, due to poor nasal ventilation, this can cause headaches, a heavy head, and other uncomfortable symptoms, therefore urgent surgical treatment is advised.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
46sec home-news-image

Nasal polyps generally grow where?

Nasal polyps definitely develop in the nasal cavity or sinuses. Due to the complex anatomical structure of the nasal cavity and sinuses, and the variation in the causes and timing of the condition among individuals, the location of polyps is not fixed and each patient has unique characteristics. Some polyps originate in the maxillary sinus and grow at the opening of this sinus, extending to the back end. This commonly occurs as posterior nasal polyps of the maxillary sinus, often seen in teenagers or children, and are more common in males than females. Generally, polyps can grow in the middle nasal meatus or olfactory fissure, and in some severe and long-standing cases, polyps can grow throughout the nasal cavity and sinuses.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What is a good treatment for nasal polyps?

In the treatment of nasal polyps, local surgical intervention is necessary. The cause of nasal polyps is unclear, but they generally arise from chronic inflammation over time, which leads to diffuse congestion, edema, hyperplasia, and prolapse of the bilateral nasal concha mucosa, resulting in the formation of nasal polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps typically affect both sides and can cause bilateral nasal obstruction, progressively worsening, and a foul smell may also be emitted from the nasal cavity. During examination, pale lychee-like masses may be found in the middle or general nasal passage. These masses are soft and painless. In terms of treatment, the patient needs to first undergo endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery. Post-surgery, it is also necessary to use budesonide nasal spray locally to shrink the nasal conchae and prevent recurrence (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
43sec home-news-image

Nasal polyps are located where?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal area, forming a translucent, lychee-like shape with no distribution of nerves or blood vessels. They originate from two sources: one from the nasal cavity and the other from the nasal sinuses. Theoretically, any part of the nasal cavity and sinuses can develop nasal polyps or polyp-like changes. The most common nasal polyps primarily originate from the middle nasal meatus, while those from the sinuses mainly stem from the ethmoid or maxillary sinuses, which are the most common and prone areas. Clinically, the treatment for nasal polyps mainly involves removal via endoscopic surgery and the opening of the sinuses.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

What should I do if nasal polyps keep recurring?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common ENT disorder, and some patients may experience recurrent episodes. This situation is mainly seen in patients with nasal polyps who have an increase in eosinophils or those with accompanying allergic rhinitis. The likelihood of recurrence varies individually. After a recurrence, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist. A nasal endoscopy or a sinus CT scan can be done to assess the severity of the recurrence. Some patients may opt for conservative medical treatment, commonly using nasal spray medications. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can be helpful. If the nasal polyps recur severely and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

symptoms of malignant nasal polyps

The symptoms caused by the malignant transformation of nasal polyps mainly involve significant destruction and invasion of the surrounding bone, leading to the destruction of the skull base and orbital tissues. Patients may experience eye pain, decreased vision, headaches, and bleeding. For patients with malignant transformation of nasal polyps, diagnosis is primarily made through an electronic nasopharyngoscopy biopsy, taking a portion of the pathological tissue for confirmation. Typically, after confirming malignancy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery should be performed promptly to remove the malignant nasal polyp tissue and extend the resection to the invaded bone. This is usually complemented by radiation therapy or chemotherapy to prevent recurrence of the malignant nasal polyps.