Can nasal polyps be felt by touch?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms that occur in our nasal cavity. Clinically, nasal polyps in their early stages are primarily located in the middle nasal passage. As the nasal polyps enlarge, they can also be found in the middle nasal passage, and severe ones might even protrude from our anterior nostrils onto our face. Thus, for larger nasal polyps, we can physically feel them; they feel very soft and not very elastic. However, they are somewhat resilient and can move significantly because most nasal polyps are pedunculated within our nasal cavity. Additionally, there is often a lot of nasal mucus.

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps are located in the nose.

Nasal polyps are growths located in our nasal area, which is divided into the external nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. Nasal polyps primarily develop within our nasal cavity. For some polyps that originate from the sinuses, such as those from the ethmoid sinus or the maxillary sinus, they may initially grow within a sinus cavity. As they increase in size, they can protrude into our nasal cavity and even extend outside it, becoming directly visible. Therefore, nasal polyps mainly grow in our nasal cavity or sinus cavities. They do not develop on our external nose or in our nasopharyngeal region. The most common locations for them are in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities.

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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 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 to check for nasal polyps

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.