How is nasal polyp treated?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 02, 2024
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Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the severity of the condition. It is advisable to undergo a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan. For cases where the nasal polyps are few and the clinical symptoms are mild, conservative medical treatment may be considered, typically involving the use of nasal spray medications, along with saline nasal irrigation. If the nasal polyps are numerous and the clinical symptoms are severe, and if conservative medical treatment is ineffective, nasal endoscopic polypectomy surgery may be considered. This is a minimally invasive surgery that generally yields good results, with less damage and a quicker recovery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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Can nasal polyps be eliminated?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity. They are translucent, lychee-shaped neoplasms without nervous or vascular innervation. Nasal polyps can be completely removed, primarily through two methods. One method is the chemical removal with medications, mainly using corticosteroids, which is suitable for early-stage nasal polyps. Another method is via functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves the removal of nasal polyps. The surgery is performed under endoscopic guidance, using forceps or a snare device to excise the nasal polyps. This surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, and nasal polyps can be removed.

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Written by Zhang Jun
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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 Xu Qing Tian
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symptoms of malignant nasal polyps

The symptoms caused by the malignant transformation of nasal polyps mainly involve significant destruction and invasion of the surrounding bone, leading to the destruction of the skull base and orbital tissues. Patients may experience eye pain, decreased vision, headaches, and bleeding. For patients with malignant transformation of nasal polyps, diagnosis is primarily made through an electronic nasopharyngoscopy biopsy, taking a portion of the pathological tissue for confirmation. Typically, after confirming malignancy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery should be performed promptly to remove the malignant nasal polyp tissue and extend the resection to the invaded bone. This is usually complemented by radiation therapy or chemotherapy to prevent recurrence of the malignant nasal polyps.

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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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How to check for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities. There are several aspects to the examination of nasal polyps: Firstly, an anterior rhinoscopy examination can be performed. If the nasal polyps are large, or even protruding outside the nasal cavity, they can be directly seen. Anterior rhinoscopy enlarges the nasal cavity, allowing visualization of the middle nasal meatus and other tissues inside the nasal cavity. Secondly, a nasal endoscopy can be utilized. Nasal endoscopy is particularly effective for viewing polyps located deeper within, or at the back of the nasal passages, providing very clear visibility. Other examinations, such as electronic rhinoendoscopy, follow the same procedure. The third examination involves a sinus CT scan, which is helpful for identifying the origin of the nasal polyps, as well as the location, range, and extent of obstruction caused by the polyps. Another examination is the pathological examination after nasal polyp surgery, which aids in determining the origin and risk associated with the nasal polyps, as well as assisting in subsequent treatments.