Do small nasal polyps need surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 14, 2025
00:00
00:00

Nasal polyps are a relatively common nasal disease. In terms of treatment, if the nasal polyps are minimal, surgery may not be necessary initially. The first consideration can be conservative drug treatment. After timely medication, most patients may find their nasal polyps gradually shrink and might even disappear. However, regular follow-ups are required to monitor changes in the condition. If the nasal polyps do not improve with conservative drug treatment, surgical removal should be considered. Currently, endoscopic surgery is commonly used, which is a minimally invasive procedure with relatively mild damage, shorter recovery time, and generally good treatment outcomes. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
50sec home-news-image

Do nasal polyps have any harm?

Nasal polyps are abnormal tissue structures and pathological in nature, thus posing several risks to human health. Firstly, they obstruct nasal airflow because nasal polyps block the normal respiratory and ventilation passages, causing the primary sensation of nasal congestion and difficulty in breathing through the nose. Secondly, they impair the sense of smell. Nasal polyps obstruct the nasal cavity, preventing odors from smoothly reaching the olfactory area, leading to diminished olfactory perception. Thirdly, if the nasal polyps persist for too long and grow excessively large, they can result in acute changes in the nose, the most common being a "frog-like nose." This condition makes the nose appear flattened and broad like a frog's, lying against the face which is cosmetically unappealing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
42sec home-news-image

Is nasal polyps prone to recurrence?

Some patients have nasal polyps that tend to recur. Clinically speaking, nasal polyps are a relatively common nasal disease. If the nasal polyps are more extensive, have been present for a longer time, or are characterized by abundant eosinophilic granulocytes, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively higher. If the duration of nasal polyps is relatively short, the lesions are more localized, and there are no accompanying pathological changes or inflammatory reactions, the probability of recurrence is relatively lower. In such cases, it is generally necessary to have regular follow-up examinations after treatment, and then to make a comprehensive assessment based on the doctor's empirical judgment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

What should I do if the nasal polyps are inflamed?

Nasal polyps accompanied by infection and inflammation are relatively common. This situation generally pertains to nasal polyps, rhinitis, and sinusitis. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe, it may be considered an acute bacterial infection, and generally, the use of antibiotics should be considered, along with nasal sprays and saline nasal irrigation. Some patients can achieve effective control and relief after standardized medication treatment. If the nasal polyps are widespread and the inflammatory response is severe, surgery might be necessary to remove them. Post-surgery, regular follow-ups are needed because both nasal polyps and inflammation can recur.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

What will happen if nasal polyps are not operated on?

Nasal polyps are a common pathological change in otolaryngology, mainly caused by chronic inflammatory stimuli such as rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to changes in the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps are an abnormal structural change. Once nasal polyps occur, emergency surgical treatment is recommended. If surgery is not performed, the polyps will continue to grow larger, altering some of the anatomical structures of the nasal cavity and occupying space, which can impair nasal function. This may lead to nasal congestion, a decrease in the sense of smell, and changes in the external nose, such as a "frog-like" nose; the nose becomes swollen and large, resembling a frog. Over time, due to poor nasal ventilation, this can cause headaches, a heavy head, and other uncomfortable symptoms, therefore urgent surgical treatment is advised.