Do nasal polyps have to be surgically removed?

Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

Updated on April 19, 2025

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Nasal polyps are common in otolaryngology and frequently recurring. If a patient with nasal polyps does not exhibit significant symptoms, they can be managed with observation and the targeted use of local anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the growth and enlargement of the polyps. If the patient experiences significant symptoms such as bilateral nasal obstruction, pus discharge, or headaches linked to the condition, surgery should be considered. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery can be performed under video guidance to thoroughly remove the affected mucosa and polypoid tissue in the nasal cavity, thereby curing the patient. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

46sec

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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 Li Rui

Otolaryngology

44sec

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Conservative treatment methods for nasal polyps

Conservative treatment for nasal polyps is mainly applicable to cases with smaller range and less severe symptoms. Generally, it is advisable to begin with some nasal endoscopy to assess the extent of the condition. The primary treatment method considered is nasal sprays, particularly corticosteroid nasal sprays, and additionally, physiological saline can be used to cleanse the nasal cavity. If accompanied by rhinitis and sinusitis, it may also be necessary to consider treatment with oral medication. Overall, most patients see some effectiveness with conservative treatment, but there may be recurrence or cases where conservative treatment is not effective, and surgery might be considered as an option.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

49sec

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Where is a good place to massage for nasal polyps to get better quickly?

Massage therapy is generally ineffective for treating nasal polyps, so no matter what type of massage is used, it is unlikely to have a notably positive effect on the treatment and recovery of nasal polyps. Currently, there are primarily two treatment options to consider: conservative treatment and surgical removal. If the polyps are numerous and widespread, and conservative treatment proves ineffective, then surgical removal, particularly minimally invasive surgery performed with an endoscope, should be considered. This type of surgery generally causes minimal damage and allows for a relatively quick recovery, with fairly definitive therapeutic outcomes. If the nasal polyps are small and localized, treatment usually starts with nasal sprays and oral medications, but regular check-ups are necessary to monitor for any changes.

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 11sec

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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign tumors that occur inside the nasal cavity. Generally, the appearance of nasal polyps is associated with chronic inflammatory stimulation, repeated irritation of the turbinate mucosa leading to congestion, edema, prolapse, and hyperplasia of the turbinate mucosa, which causes nasal polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps can cause bilateral nasal congestion in patients, which tends to persist and worsen, while mucous secretions may also flow from the nasal cavity. In severe cases, patients may experience facial swelling, pain, headaches, and other related symptoms. During examination, pale white lychee-like, soft new growths that are usually painless can be found inside the nasal cavity. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps require endoscopic nasal polypectomy. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics to prevent local infection. Patients can usually recover and be discharged about a week after the surgery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

56sec

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Is nasal polyp surgery under general anesthesia dangerous?

Nasal polyps are currently primarily treated by two methods: medication and surgery. If there are many polyps, surgery is usually considered necessary. There are two types of anesthesia used in surgery: local anesthesia and general anesthesia. Generally speaking, general anesthesia, administered through endotracheal intubation or a laryngeal mask, is relatively safe and does not significantly affect the surgery or the patient themselves. However, there are certain risks involved, such as anesthesia accidents or slow metabolism of anesthetic drugs, which could trigger other or existing underlying diseases, further increasing the risk. Additionally, there could be damage to the nasal cavity or structures around the nose, such as periorbital ecchymosis, nasal bleeding, severe bleeding leading to shock, and some might experience changes in vision or visual field, or effects on the olfactory nerves.