Can nasal polyps be cured?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 01, 2025
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Nasal polyps are curable, and patients can be cured through localized surgical treatment. The cause of nasal polyps is unknown, generally due to chronic inflammatory stimulation, leading to bilateral nasal turbinate mucosal diffuse congestion, edema, proliferation, and prolapse, resulting in nasal polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps generally occur bilaterally, causing the patient to have persistent nasal congestion that progressively worsens. In addition, patients may experience facial swelling, headache, and yellow nasal discharge, among other symptoms. During an examination with an electronic nasoscope, pale lychee-like masses can be observed in the nasal passages on both sides. These are soft, painless, and not prone to bleeding. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps require endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery and sinus opening surgery for a cure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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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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Can nasal polyps cause headaches?

Nasal polyps can cause headaches. The exact cause of nasal polyps is unknown, but they are generally due to prolonged chronic inflammation that leads to congestion, swelling, proliferation, and prolapse of the nasal turbinates' mucous membrane, resulting in the appearance of polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps cause persistent nasal congestion, which progressively worsens, leading to persistent hypoxia in patients. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and coughing. During examination, congested and swollen nasal mucosa can be found, and in the middle or general nasal passage, pale, abnormal, soft, painless neoplasms may be detected. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps require endoscopic nasal polypectomy and sinusotomy. After surgery, physical exercise and avoiding colds are necessary to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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The difference between nasal polyps and nasal cancer

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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does massaging nasal polyps have any effect?

Nasal polyps cannot be effectively treated through massage, as they grow inside the nasal cavity, mainly around the middle nasal meatus, and may also be found in the olfactory area or the general nasal passages. In severe cases, they can spread throughout the entire nasal cavity and even into the sinuses. In terms of treatment, massage does not play a significant role, as it does not directly affect the nasal polyps themselves. Treatment primarily involves medication and surgical procedures. For cases where the nasal polyps are particularly numerous and symptoms are pronounced, surgery is generally recommended. For smaller polyps with less noticeable symptoms, nasal spray medications may be considered, but regular follow-up examinations are necessary to monitor changes.

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Do you need to be hospitalized for nasal polyp surgery?

The current nasal polyp surgery requires a general anesthesia and endoscopic nasal polypectomy. Since the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, more thorough preparations are made for hospitalized patients. The surgery demands high standards, thus preoperative blood tests and related cardiopulmonary function tests are necessary, requiring hospitalization. Additionally, after the surgery, nasal packing is needed to monitor the patient's recovery and to clean the nasal cavities and sinuses. Therefore, hospitalization is needed for this type of treatment, which generally lasts from 5 to 7 days from admission to discharge.