Can nasal polyps be seen with the naked eye?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 17, 2025
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Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease with a high incidence rate clinically. The symptoms are numerous and may include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. For some patients, the polyps can be seen with the naked eye during examination, especially if there are many polyps or if they are located near the front of the nose. Generally, after using an anterior rhinoscope to widen the nostrils, the polyps can be seen. However, in some cases, the polyps grow in hidden areas, such as in the olfactory region or within the sinuses, making them difficult to detect with the naked eye. In such cases, a nasopharyngoscopy or sinus CT scan can be performed for more accurate diagnosis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does nasal polyp hypertrophy require surgery?

The treatment methods for nasal polyps are mainly divided into two categories. The first category is surgical treatment, and the second category is conservative medical treatment. If the nasal polyps are relatively small and the clinical symptoms are not very obvious, conservative medical treatment should be considered first. Common treatments include nasal spray medications and saline nasal irrigation. If accompanied by rhinitis or sinusitis, oral medications may be considered. If the extent of the nasal polyps is large and the clinical symptoms are clear, and if the results from medication are not good, surgery may need to be considered. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if nasal polyps are bleeding?

Nasal polyps accompanied by nasal bleeding can be caused by various reasons. It could possibly be hemorrhagic nasal polyps, or there might be dryness and erosion bleeding of the nasal mucosa, or bleeding due to rupture of small blood vessels, or inflammation-induced bleeding. Therefore, in such cases, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngology department. Consider conducting a nasal endoscopy, routine blood tests, and coagulation function tests, which can help determine the severity of the nasal polyps and the cause of the nasal bleeding. If the extent of nasal bleeding is severe and the nasal polyps are widespread, surgical removal might be considered necessary. After surgery, regular follow-up checks are essential to monitor the recovery process.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be seen on an X-ray?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngology disease, which can be comprehensively assessed through nasal endoscopy or sinus CT scan. Generally speaking, nasal endoscopy is more intuitive, allowing direct observation of the extent and severity of polyps within the nasal cavity. If a sinus CT scan is performed, it has diagnostic and reference value for multiple nasal polyps, but it might not be very clear if there are only a few polyps. In terms of treatment, if there are numerous nasal polyps and medication is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered. If the nasal polyps are limited and the clinical symptoms are mild, medical conservative treatment is recommended, but regular follow-up examinations are necessary to monitor the effect. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal polyps prone to recurrence?

Some patients have nasal polyps that tend to recur. Clinically speaking, nasal polyps are a relatively common nasal disease. If the nasal polyps are more extensive, have been present for a longer time, or are characterized by abundant eosinophilic granulocytes, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively higher. If the duration of nasal polyps is relatively short, the lesions are more localized, and there are no accompanying pathological changes or inflammatory reactions, the probability of recurrence is relatively lower. In such cases, it is generally necessary to have regular follow-up examinations after treatment, and then to make a comprehensive assessment based on the doctor's empirical judgment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a fairly common otolaryngological condition with a relatively high incidence clinically. There is significant individual variation in clinical symptoms. Some patients have few nasal polyps and might not show obvious clinical symptoms; these are often discovered only during a physical examination or a nasopharyngoscopy. Other patients may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. In cases where the polyps are particularly numerous and have been present for a long time, they may even cause deformities of the nose, such as a "frog nose" or "saddle nose." In such cases, timely surgical treatment should be considered, and regular follow-up inspections are needed to monitor for any recurrence.