Do nasal polyps definitely have to be removed?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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
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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for nasal polyp surgery?

The surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using endoscopic techniques to excise the polyps. The procedure places high demands on the patient's overall health, but typically yields good results. As such, hospitalization is required for nasal polyp surgery, as it often involves additional procedures such as sinus opening and correction of a deviated nasal septum. Nasal polyps are generally caused by sinusitis, rhinitis, or chronic inflammation over a long period of time. Simply removing the nasal polyps may lead to recurrence. In order to thoroughly treat nasal polyps, and address chronic inflammation, sinus issues, and anatomical abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum, specific treatments are required during surgery. This not only effectively eradicates the nasal polyps but also helps prevent their recurrence. Therefore, hospitalization is required for this type of surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is surgery necessary for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms that occupy the spaces of the nasal cavity and sinuses. Clinically, once nasal polyps appear, they are generally removed through surgery. Currently, the main clinical approach is functional endoscopic sinus surgery. For some early-stage small nasal polyps, medications such as corticosteroids, methylprednisolone, and prednisone can be used for treatment, which can cause the gradual disappearance of very small polyps, a process known as chemical resection. In clinical practice, when nasal polyps are detected, they are usually relatively large, so once polyps are discovered during a hospital visit, treatment is typically conducted through surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be eliminated by taking medicine?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, presenting with a variety of clinical symptoms. The more common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. In terms of treatment, the usual approaches are conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If there are few nasal polyps and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, medication treatment can be considered. Some patients may see a gradual reduction in their nasal polyps after medication treatment. However, in cases where there are many polyps and the clinical symptoms are significant, and standardized medication treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. Currently, the more common procedure is endoscopic sinus surgery for the removal of nasal polyps.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Can nasal polyps become cancerous?

Nasal polyps are growths in the nasal cavity mucosa that form due to inflammation, edema, and the effects of gravity, resembling lychee-like neoplasms. They are relatively soft and do not bleed easily upon formation. Their stalk mainly originates from the middle nasal meatus, making nasal polyps a benign tissue lesion that will not become cancerous. However, prolonged growth of polyps may lead to deformation of the nasal cavity, obstructing ventilation and drainage, which can cause sinusitis, nasal congestion, headaches, and more. Therefore, early-stage nasal polyps can be conservatively treated with internal medicine. If there is nasal obstruction, aggressive growth, or purulent nasal discharge, surgical treatment is generally recommended to prevent recurrence.