The difference between nasal polyps and nasal cancer

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 15, 2025
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Nasal polyps and nasal cancer are both relatively common otolaryngological diseases, but they belong to different types. Nasal polyps are benign lesions, which do not pose a significant risk to health, while nasal cancer is a malignant tumor, which comparatively poses a greater risk to health. In terms of examination, differentiation can be made through nasopharyngoscopy and sinus CT scans. Generally, nasal polyps tend to grow in the middle nasal passage and the olfactory area, whereas nasal cancer is more commonly found in the nasopharyngeal region or within the sinuses. Overall, these two diseases are fundamentally different, and it is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist for further examination and treatment.

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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
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Can nasal polyps be seen with the naked eye?

Nasal polyps can be visible to the naked eye, but this is only in cases of more severe nasal polyp patients. In some severe cases, the polyps grow into and protrude from the nasal cavity, at which point a pale white, lychee-like polyp neoplasm can usually be seen in the nostril. For patients with nasal polyps, blockage of the nasal passages can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and runny nose. At this time, functional endoscopic sinus surgery can be used to remove the polyps from the patient's nasal cavity, thereby restoring normal ventilation function of the nasal passages, improving symptoms of sinus obstruction, and achieving a cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be treated with medication?

Some patients with nasal polyps can opt for medical treatment, as there are mainly two types of treatments for nasal polyps: conservative treatment and surgical removal. For cases with minimal absorption, limited scope, and shorter duration, conservative treatment is generally recommended, primarily using corticosteroid nasal sprays. Regular follow-ups and a sufficient course of medication are necessary, typically rechecking with a rhinoscope every three months, and visiting the otorhinolaryngology department every one to two weeks for a check-up. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the patient has numerous nasal polyps, surgical removal should be considered.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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Do nasal polyps definitely have to be removed?

Nasal polyps are benign glandular tissues that occur in the nasal cavity. The presence of nasal polyps can block the nasal passage, leading to secondary infections, and as nasal polyps gradually increase in size, they can damage the local tissue structure. Therefore, once nasal polyps appear, they are primarily removed through surgery, making surgical removal necessary. However, in the early stages of nasal polyps, when they have just developed and are still small, they can be treated with medications such as methylprednisolone or prednisone. These drugs are mainly corticosteroids and can cause the polyps to gradually shrink and disappear in a minority of patients, a process referred to as chemical resection through medication. Nonetheless, the chance of detecting nasal polyps in their early stages is very small, and they are often only discovered when they have grown large enough to obstruct the nasal passage and affect breathing, meaning that they typically require surgical removal after they are found.

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Written by Li Rui
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Can nasal polyps be treated with medication?

Nasal polyps can be considered for drug treatment, primarily depending on the severity of the nasal polyps. If the condition of the nasal polyps is not particularly severe, most patients can consider conservative drug treatment. Common treatments include nasal spray medications, and the nasal cavity can also be rinsed with saline. If the patient also has rhinitis or sinusitis, oral medication may need to be considered. However, during the treatment process, regular follow-up examinations are necessary to observe the treatment effects. If the effects of medication are not satisfactory and the condition of the nasal polyps is more severe, surgical removal may need to be considered. After surgery, regular follow-up examinations are still necessary to monitor the effects of the surgery.