My doctor says my protracted sinus infection is due to nasal polyps. Can you explain what exactly these are?
The nose is a hollow cavity divided into two passages by a thin sheet of cartilage and bone called the nasal septum. The bones of the face contain hollow cavities, known as the maxillary paranasal sinuses, which open into the nasal cavity. Nasal polyps are tear-shaped growths of the mucus membrane of the nose which tend to form around the opening of the sinus where they open into the nasal cavity.
What caused them?
While in some individuals polyps may develop acutely following infection, in others there may be a family history of the problem. Polyps can disappear spontaneously after an infection has cleared, but in those whose polyps develop more slowly over time, they may persist long after the infection has been successfully treated.
Polyps can also occur as a result of irritation or allergy. Unless the underlying cause is found and treated there is a tendency for the condition to recur. The most common symptoms associated with the condition are nasal congestion, obstruction, drainage and chronic infection. Others may be unaware of their presence and have no obvious symptoms at all.
Can nasal polyps be cancerous?
Unlike polyps that form elsewhere in the body such as in the colon or bladder, nasal polyps are not usually cancerous. However, your doctor may wish to remove a portion of the polyp and have it examined under a microscope in a laboratory (a biopsy) to rule out this possibility.
Can polyps be treated with medication or will I need surgery?
Although corticosteroids in the form of oral medication or nasal spray can help shrink or eliminate polyps, in persistent cases, endoscopic removal of the growth may be required. Surgery is often recommended if the polyp is causing obstruction of the airways, or blocking drainage from the sinuses leading to chronic infection.
Once the polyp has been removed, the use of a corticosteroid aerosol may slow down or prevent recurrence of the growth.
Marion Kerr