Can nasal polyps be treated with laser?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps are located where?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal area, forming a translucent, lychee-like shape with no distribution of nerves or blood vessels. They originate from two sources: one from the nasal cavity and the other from the nasal sinuses. Theoretically, any part of the nasal cavity and sinuses can develop nasal polyps or polyp-like changes. The most common nasal polyps primarily originate from the middle nasal meatus, while those from the sinuses mainly stem from the ethmoid or maxillary sinuses, which are the most common and prone areas. Clinically, the treatment for nasal polyps mainly involves removal via endoscopic surgery and the opening of the sinuses.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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 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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat nasal polyps?

The treatment of nasal polyps is mainly divided into two categories. First, it is recommended to perform some nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans. The main purpose is to determine the extent and severity of the nasal polyps, and to check for any sinusitis. If there are few nasal polyps and the sinus inflammation is mild, the clinical symptoms will generally not be particularly obvious in such cases. The first consideration is conservative treatment, mainly involving oral medications and nasal sprays, along with rinsing the nasal cavity with saline. Most patients can achieve effective control and relief. If nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans confirm that the sinus inflammation is significant and the nasal polyps are extensive, surgery may be considered. Currently, the main procedure performed is endoscopic nasal polyp removal, which is a minimally invasive surgery and generally has precise effects. However, regular follow-ups are still needed to monitor for any recurrence of the condition. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Where is a good place to massage for nasal polyps to get better quickly?

Massage therapy is generally ineffective for treating nasal polyps, so no matter what type of massage is used, it is unlikely to have a notably positive effect on the treatment and recovery of nasal polyps. Currently, there are primarily two treatment options to consider: conservative treatment and surgical removal. If the polyps are numerous and widespread, and conservative treatment proves ineffective, then surgical removal, particularly minimally invasive surgery performed with an endoscope, should be considered. This type of surgery generally causes minimal damage and allows for a relatively quick recovery, with fairly definitive therapeutic outcomes. If the nasal polyps are small and localized, treatment usually starts with nasal sprays and oral medications, but regular check-ups are necessary to monitor for any changes.