Do nasal polyps always require surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 04, 2025
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Nasal polyps are a relatively common ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disease, with various clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and reduced sense of smell. Regarding treatment, surgery is not always necessary. Nasopharyngoscopy and sinus CT scans may be required to assess the specific extent and severity of the condition. If the nasal polyps are limited and the clinical symptoms are mild, conservative treatment with medication is recommended rather than surgical treatment. However, if there are multiple polyps and severe clinical symptoms, and the results from standardized conservative treatment with medication are not satisfactory, then surgical treatment should be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is the recurrence rate of nasal polyps high?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. Generally, the recurrence rate of nasal polyps is not particularly high. However, some patients are more likely to experience recurrences, especially those with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or familial genetic factors. These patients are relatively more prone to recurrence. Additionally, incomplete surgery or failure to timely visit an otolaryngology clinic for postoperative nasal cavity cleaning can also lead to recurrence. After treatment, it is necessary to have regular check-ups to monitor the recovery of the condition. If early symptoms of recurrence appear, targeted conservative medical treatment can be administered. After such treatment, many patients' conditions can be well controlled.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be cured without surgery?

Patients with nasal polyps usually cannot be completely cured without surgery. The formation of nasal polyps is mainly related to the patient's long-term smoking and drinking, pollution in the living environment, and stimulation from physical and chemical factors, which lead to the proliferation of nasal mucosal epithelium and edema. Patients with nasal polyps will have obvious symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and sinusitis. The use of medications to treat nasal polyps can only relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion. For a complete cure, functional endoscopic sinus surgery is required to remove the nasal polyps and open the sinus ostia, restoring the normal physiological environment of the nasal cavity, to achieve the therapeutic goal. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will nasal polyps grow back after being removed?

Nasal polyps are a common and frequently occurring clinical condition, representing benign neoplasms of the nasal cavity. Currently, the primary treatment for nasal polyps is their removal via endoscopic surgery, generally accompanied by surgery to open the sinus cavities. After nasal polyp surgery, there is a certain rate of recurrence, so measures must be taken to reduce this recurrence, such as regular post-operative clinic visits to clean the nasal and sinus cavities. Additionally, aggressive medication treatments are required after surgery, such as the use of budesonide nasal spray, along with other supportive medications. During surgery, it is crucial to remove the roots of the nasal polyps as thoroughly as possible and also to remove the diseased mucosal tissues as much as feasible. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor, based on the specific circumstances.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be washed with saline?

Nasal polyps can be considered for saline irrigation, with the main types of saline used being physiological saline or physiological seawater. The main function is to help improve nasal ventilation and reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa. It also has some therapeutic effects for patients with poor sense of smell. However, overall, saline irrigation is still considered an auxiliary treatment method, and it is recommended to consider medication treatment. If the nasal polyps cover a wide range and the clinical symptoms are quite apparent, it could also be accompanied by sinusitis. Under such circumstances, endoscopic surgery might be necessary, which involves the removal of nasal polyps under endoscopy. Depending on the condition of sinusitis, concurrent sinus opening surgery might be required. It is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a formal diagnostic evaluation to determine the best treatment approach.