The difference between nasal polyps and nasal cancer

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 15, 2025
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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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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 is nasal polyps treated?

Nasal polyps are a common clinical condition, prevalent in the nasal and sinus cavities as benign space-occupying lesions. Clinically, these polyps appear as translucent, lychee-like neoplasms. The primary clinical treatment for nasal polyps is surgical, typically performed with an endoscope to remove the polyps, mainly using a powered system. After nasal polyp surgery, the treatment is not completely finished; regular outpatient follow-ups are necessary to infiltrate the nasal and sinus cavities and remove some of the swollen mucosal tissue, thus preventing the recurrence of nasal polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be eliminated?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity. They are translucent, lychee-shaped neoplasms without nervous or vascular innervation. Nasal polyps can be completely removed, primarily through two methods. One method is the chemical removal with medications, mainly using corticosteroids, which is suitable for early-stage nasal polyps. Another method is via functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves the removal of nasal polyps. The surgery is performed under endoscopic guidance, using forceps or a snare device to excise the nasal polyps. This surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, and nasal polyps can be removed.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal polyp surgery painful?

Nasal polyps are space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity. After the discovery of nasal polyps, they are usually removed surgically. Currently, the surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves removing the nasal polyps and opening the sinus ostia. There is no significant pain during the surgery, as it is conducted under general anesthesia. After the surgery, the nasal cavity is packed with some hemostatic materials. There is discomfort when this nasal packing material is removed on the second day after the surgery, but this discomfort is only significant during the removal and subsides afterward. Therefore, there is some pain associated with nasal polyp surgery, but the pain is not very severe.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Are nasal polyps serious?

Overall, it is generally not very severe. Most patients with nasal polyps have localized conditions, which may be accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. Initially, a nasopharyngoscopy is required to determine the specific range of the polyps and clarify if there are any other pathologic conditions. If the diseased area is extensive, further nasal sinus CT scans may be needed to determine if there are any abnormalities in the sinuses. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment is recommended for patients with small polyps and non-significant symptoms. However, if the polyps are numerous and there are notable clinical symptoms, surgical removal should be considered. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery situation.