Can nasal polyps be seen on an X-ray?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 14, 2025
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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 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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is effective for nasal polyps?

The treatment of nasal polyps currently mainly includes two types: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. For smaller, localized nasal polyps with relatively mild clinical symptoms, conservative drug treatment is primarily considered. Currently, corticosteroid nasal sprays are predominantly used, mainly to improve nasal ventilation, reduce mucosal edema, and shrink the nasal polyps. Some patients may even see the polyps disappear completely. However, there are also patients who do not respond well to this treatment, or have relatively large polyps. In these cases, conservative treatment may be less effective, and surgery might be considered. Presently, minimally invasive surgery under endoscopic guidance is commonly performed to remove nasal polyps, and generally, the outcomes are quite definite. (Answer for reference only, medications should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician and not self-administered.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Conservative treatment methods for nasal polyps

Conservative treatment for nasal polyps is mainly applicable to cases with smaller range and less severe symptoms. Generally, it is advisable to begin with some nasal endoscopy to assess the extent of the condition. The primary treatment method considered is nasal sprays, particularly corticosteroid nasal sprays, and additionally, physiological saline can be used to cleanse the nasal cavity. If accompanied by rhinitis and sinusitis, it may also be necessary to consider treatment with oral medication. Overall, most patients see some effectiveness with conservative treatment, but there may be recurrence or cases where conservative treatment is not effective, and surgery might be considered as an option.

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

Nasal polyps accompanied by infection and inflammation are relatively common. This situation generally pertains to nasal polyps, rhinitis, and sinusitis. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe, it may be considered an acute bacterial infection, and generally, the use of antibiotics should be considered, along with nasal sprays and saline nasal irrigation. Some patients can achieve effective control and relief after standardized medication treatment. If the nasal polyps are widespread and the inflammatory response is severe, surgery might be necessary to remove them. Post-surgery, regular follow-ups are needed because both nasal polyps and inflammation can recur.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps minimally invasive surgery how long

Minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps usually refers to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In patients with nasal polyps obstructing the nasal passages, the polyps are removed under visualization using a nasal endoscope. For patients with bilateral nasal polyps, the surgery generally lasts about one to one and a half hours. Patients with nasal polyps typically experience significant symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. These polyps block the sinus openings, affecting sinus drainage, thus surgery is usually necessary. After undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, patients should avoid hot baths, foot baths, and vigorous exercise to prevent post-operative bleeding due to increased blood circulation.