Are nasal polyps likely to be malignant?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 19, 2024
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Nasal polyps generally have a low chance of being malignant, as they are typically considered benign lesions and are a relatively common condition in otolaryngology. The main consideration is the specific number of polyps; if there are fewer polyps and they are localized, and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, this situation generally can be managed with medication treatment and regular follow-up. However, if the nasal polyps are extensive and accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and dizziness, surgery is generally considered. After the surgery, a pathological biopsy will be necessary to accurately determine whether the polyps are benign or malignant based on the biopsy results.

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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.

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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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Can nasal polyps be cured?

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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What will happen if nasal polyps are not treated?

The consequences of untreated nasal polyps vary among individuals. For some, the effects may be relatively severe, while for others it may not be very noticeable. It primarily depends on the size of the nasal polyps themselves. If the polyps are small and do not cause significant clinical symptoms, even without prompt treatment, their slow growth may lead to no significant symptoms. However, if there are many polyps and they grow rapidly, it can easily lead to nasal congestion, a runny nose, and reduced sense of smell. Some patients may also develop sinusitis due to poor ventilation and drainage in the nasal cavity. In severe cases where there are excessive amounts of nasal polyps, it can even affect the development of the nasal structure, leading to conditions like a crooked nose or saddle nose.

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Nasal polyps and adenoids are what kind of disease?

Nasal polyps and adenoids are two different diseases, and they are common conditions in otolaryngology. Patients with nasal polyps usually experience growths on the surface of the nasal mucosa, which primarily cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and sinus blockages. On the other hand, adenoid hypertrophy mainly occurs in infants and young children, with a high incidence in the 5-7 year age group. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy often experience symptoms like breath-holding, lack of oxygen, and sleep apnea during the night, which can be definitively diagnosed through sleep monitoring tests. Currently, the main treatment for patients with nasal polyps and adenoid hypertrophy involves surgical removal of the nasal polyp tissue and ablation of the adenoid tissue to restore normal physiological functions of the entire nasopharyngeal cavity.