Are nasal polyps likely to be malignant?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 19, 2024
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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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Can nasal polyps become cancerous?

Nasal polyps are growths in the nasal cavity mucosa that form due to inflammation, edema, and the effects of gravity, resembling lychee-like neoplasms. They are relatively soft and do not bleed easily upon formation. Their stalk mainly originates from the middle nasal meatus, making nasal polyps a benign tissue lesion that will not become cancerous. However, prolonged growth of polyps may lead to deformation of the nasal cavity, obstructing ventilation and drainage, which can cause sinusitis, nasal congestion, headaches, and more. Therefore, early-stage nasal polyps can be conservatively treated with internal medicine. If there is nasal obstruction, aggressive growth, or purulent nasal discharge, surgical treatment is generally recommended to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps heal by themselves?

There is a possibility of spontaneous healing for nasal polyps, but this possibility is relatively low. For cases with fewer polyps, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended, commonly involving spray medications, along with saline nasal irrigation. However, it is necessary to regularly re-examine and observe the treatment results. If there are many polyps and the results of conservative treatment are not satisfactory, then surgical removal may be required. Currently, the common practice is to remove nasal polyps via endoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure with generally good overall results, less damage, and shorter recovery time. However, regular follow-up is required as some patients may experience recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be operated on in the outpatient clinic?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity. Pathologically, nasal polyps are benign tumors. Clinically, the primary treatment is the surgical removal of nasal polyps followed by regular outpatient follow-ups to prevent recurrence. Currently, the surgery for nasal polyps is generally performed under general anesthesia, involving the removal of nasal polyps and sinus opening procedures, which are functional surgeries. Such surgeries require hospitalization and are conducted under endoscopy, typically under general anesthesia. Although in some regions, the surgery may be performed under local anesthesia, hospitalization is still required for the procedure, and it is generally not conducted on an outpatient basis.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to check for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are common and frequently occurring clinical conditions. They are benign neoplasms found in the nasal cavity or sinus cavity. Visually, they appear as semi-translucent, half-peeled lychee-shaped tumors. For their examination, initially, an anterior rhinoscopy is carried out to observe the nasal polyps. Following that, an endoscopic examination of the nose is performed. Additionally, a sinus CT scan can be used to assess the extent and origin of the nasal polyps. Post-surgery, the nasal polyp tissue can be sent for pathological biopsy to examine the cell types. These are the main methods of examination for nasal polyps.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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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.