Nasal polyps CT manifestations

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 11, 2025
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Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms of the nasal area. On a CT scan, they primarily appear as increased density shadows in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity. These shadows have a definite shape, which is why we see nasal polyps as oval-shaped. Secondly, the density of the nasal polyps can be distinctively differentiated from the surrounding densities; the density of the surrounding bone is very high, while the density of the nasal polyps is relatively direct, appearing as a gray density shadow. Thirdly, we observe accompanying inflammatory changes in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity on the nasal polyps, such as thickened sinus cavity mucosa and, in some cases, the presence of purulent secretions due to inflammatory infections, as seen on the CT scan.

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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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How to deal with nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. Clinically, the first step is to assess the extent of the nasal polyps. If the polyps are few and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, medical treatment can be considered, and regular re-examinations with a nasopharyngoscope are needed to monitor the recovery. If there are numerous polyps and the response to standardized medication is poor, surgical removal might be necessary. Currently, endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery is commonly used. Regular postoperative check-ups are also required to observe the recovery. Generally, it is advisable to rinse the nasal cavity with saline solution to aid in postoperative recovery. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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The difference between nasal polyps and adenoids

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.

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Can nasal polyps be eliminated by taking medicine?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, presenting with a variety of clinical symptoms. The more common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. In terms of treatment, the usual approaches are conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If there are few nasal polyps and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, medication treatment can be considered. Some patients may see a gradual reduction in their nasal polyps after medication treatment. However, in cases where there are many polyps and the clinical symptoms are significant, and standardized medication treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. Currently, the more common procedure is endoscopic sinus surgery for the removal of nasal polyps.

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Can nasal polyps be felt by touch?

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.