Is there a high possibility that nasal polyps are malignant?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 10, 2024
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Nasal polyps are a type of benign neoplasm in the nasal cavity, appearing as half a lychee, translucent, and either oval or ovoid in shape. They occupy the normal passages of the nasal cavity, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, and even headaches in the head or forehead area. Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms and rarely develop into malignant lesions. Clinically, there have been no cases seen where nasal polyps have turned malignant. Some growths that look like nasal polyps may actually be nasal papillomas, which are more prone to malignancy. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with nasal polyps undergo early surgical intervention followed by a pathological examination to differentiate them from nasal papillomas and to assess the prognosis of the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is effective for nasal polyps?

The treatment of nasal polyps currently mainly includes two types: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. For smaller, localized nasal polyps with relatively mild clinical symptoms, conservative drug treatment is primarily considered. Currently, corticosteroid nasal sprays are predominantly used, mainly to improve nasal ventilation, reduce mucosal edema, and shrink the nasal polyps. Some patients may even see the polyps disappear completely. However, there are also patients who do not respond well to this treatment, or have relatively large polyps. In these cases, conservative treatment may be less effective, and surgery might be considered. Presently, minimally invasive surgery under endoscopic guidance is commonly performed to remove nasal polyps, and generally, the outcomes are quite definite. (Answer for reference only, medications should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician and not self-administered.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat nasal polyps?

The treatment of nasal polyps is mainly divided into two categories. First, it is recommended to perform some nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans. The main purpose is to determine the extent and severity of the nasal polyps, and to check for any sinusitis. If there are few nasal polyps and the sinus inflammation is mild, the clinical symptoms will generally not be particularly obvious in such cases. The first consideration is conservative treatment, mainly involving oral medications and nasal sprays, along with rinsing the nasal cavity with saline. Most patients can achieve effective control and relief. If nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scans confirm that the sinus inflammation is significant and the nasal polyps are extensive, surgery may be considered. Currently, the main procedure performed is endoscopic nasal polyp removal, which is a minimally invasive surgery and generally has precise effects. However, regular follow-ups are still needed to monitor for any recurrence of the condition. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do nasal polyps definitely have to be removed?

Nasal polyps are benign glandular tissues that occur in the nasal cavity. The presence of nasal polyps can block the nasal passage, leading to secondary infections, and as nasal polyps gradually increase in size, they can damage the local tissue structure. Therefore, once nasal polyps appear, they are primarily removed through surgery, making surgical removal necessary. However, in the early stages of nasal polyps, when they have just developed and are still small, they can be treated with medications such as methylprednisolone or prednisone. These drugs are mainly corticosteroids and can cause the polyps to gradually shrink and disappear in a minority of patients, a process referred to as chemical resection through medication. Nonetheless, the chance of detecting nasal polyps in their early stages is very small, and they are often only discovered when they have grown large enough to obstruct the nasal passage and affect breathing, meaning that they typically require surgical removal after they are found.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can erythromycin be used for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological (ENT) disease. In terms of medication, if it's just simple nasal polyps, it is not advisable to use erythromycin. This is because erythromycin is a common type of antibiotic, primarily used for treating bacterial infections. However, if the nasal polyps are accompanied by sinusitis, then the use of erythromycin could be considered. For patients with nasal polyps, it is necessary to visit an ENT specialist after the onset of the condition. By conducting examinations such as nasal endoscopy, sinus CT scans, and routine blood tests, the severity of the condition can be assessed, thereby facilitating targeted treatment. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the specific effects of the treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Where to apply moxibustion for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps cannot be treated through moxibustion, as they are benign or malignant tumors of the nasal cavity. Local surgery is required for treatment. The causes of nasal polyps are unknown in clinical settings. Generally, they are directly related to the patient's long-term chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis, resulting from persistent congestion, edema, proliferation, and dehydration of the nasal mucosa. Patients will experience progressive bilateral nasal congestion, along with a foreign body sensation and swelling in the nasal cavity, which can also lead to diminished sense of smell, memory loss, and other related symptoms. A detailed examination with an endoscopic nasal examination and sinus CT scan at a hospital can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps cannot be cured through conservative treatment. An endoscopic polypectomy can cure the condition. Post-surgery, patients need to exercise, avoid catching colds to prevent recurrence.