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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What should I do if nasal polyps recur for the second time?

Nasal polyps are a common and frequently occurring clinical disease, consisting of benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Clinically, nasal polyps are primarily treated through surgery, specifically functional endoscopic sinus surgery for the removal of polyps under nasal endoscopy. Nasal polyps have a certain probability of recurrence. After a second recurrence, a second surgery is required. Following surgery, it is necessary to regularly follow up with cleaning of the nasal and sinus cavities, and to actively use certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some macrolide anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, during nasal polyp surgery, some tissues should be removed for biopsy to avoid confusion between nasal polyps and papillomas.

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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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How come there is bleeding from nasal polyps?

Patients with nasal polyps experiencing nosebleeds can have many causes. It might be due to hemorrhagic polyps, erosion of the nasal mucosa, dry nasal cavities, or rupture of small blood vessels. Some patients may have sinusitis accompanying their nasal polyps, with significant inflammatory responses that could also lead to nosebleeds. However, it's necessary to check for other conditions, such as nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, malignant tumors in the nasal cavity or sinuses, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or blood disorders like coagulation dysfunction and thrombocytopenia. It is advisable to visit an ENT specialist and undergo nasopharyngoscopy, sinus CT scans, blood tests, and coagulation function tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

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Can you smoke if you have nasal polyps?

Patients with nasal polyps are advised not to smoke. This is because cigarettes are quite irritating and can affect the nasal mucosa and the normal structures inside the nasal cavity, potentially aggravating the condition of nasal polyps, as well as possibly causing nasal congestion or acute upper respiratory infections, all of which could worsen the existing condition. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the severity of the condition. Some patients may opt for conservative drug treatment, while those with more severe conditions, where conservative drug treatment is ineffective, may need to consider surgical removal. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the effects of the operation.

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Can nasal polyps heal by themselves?

Nasal polyps may resolve on their own in some patients, but this is mainly seen in cases where the polyps are relatively small and the clinical symptoms are mild. Generally, there is a chance for spontaneous recovery, but the probability of this happening is quite low. Overall, the proportion of patients who are cured is very small. If there are multiple nasal polyps and the clinical symptoms are more pronounced, it is advisable to seek timely treatment. Current common treatments include oral medications and nasal spray medications. If the medication is not effective, or if the nasal polyps are widespread, surgical removal should be considered. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)