Nasal polyps CT manifestations

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 11, 2025
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Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms of the nasal area. On a CT scan, they primarily appear as increased density shadows in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity. These shadows have a definite shape, which is why we see nasal polyps as oval-shaped. Secondly, the density of the nasal polyps can be distinctively differentiated from the surrounding densities; the density of the surrounding bone is very high, while the density of the nasal polyps is relatively direct, appearing as a gray density shadow. Thirdly, we observe accompanying inflammatory changes in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity on the nasal polyps, such as thickened sinus cavity mucosa and, in some cases, the presence of purulent secretions due to inflammatory infections, as seen on the CT scan.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps generally grow where?

Nasal polyps definitely develop in the nasal cavity or sinuses. Due to the complex anatomical structure of the nasal cavity and sinuses, and the variation in the causes and timing of the condition among individuals, the location of polyps is not fixed and each patient has unique characteristics. Some polyps originate in the maxillary sinus and grow at the opening of this sinus, extending to the back end. This commonly occurs as posterior nasal polyps of the maxillary sinus, often seen in teenagers or children, and are more common in males than females. Generally, polyps can grow in the middle nasal meatus or olfactory fissure, and in some severe and long-standing cases, polyps can grow throughout the nasal cavity and sinuses.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps are located in the nose.

Nasal polyps are growths located in our nasal area, which is divided into the external nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. Nasal polyps primarily develop within our nasal cavity. For some polyps that originate from the sinuses, such as those from the ethmoid sinus or the maxillary sinus, they may initially grow within a sinus cavity. As they increase in size, they can protrude into our nasal cavity and even extend outside it, becoming directly visible. Therefore, nasal polyps mainly grow in our nasal cavity or sinus cavities. They do not develop on our external nose or in our nasopharyngeal region. The most common locations for them are in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. Clinically, the first step is to assess the extent of the nasal polyps. If the polyps are few and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, medical treatment can be considered, and regular re-examinations with a nasopharyngoscope are needed to monitor the recovery. If there are numerous polyps and the response to standardized medication is poor, surgical removal might be necessary. Currently, endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery is commonly used. Regular postoperative check-ups are also required to observe the recovery. Generally, it is advisable to rinse the nasal cavity with saline solution to aid in postoperative recovery. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.