Understanding Nasal Polyps: Expert Insights for Cancer Concerns

Understanding Nasal Polyps: Expert Insights for Cancer Concerns

Understanding Nasal Polyps: Expert Insights for Cancer Concerns

Quick read below — save or share if useful.

Are Nasal Polyps Cancerous? Here’s What You Should Know, Says an Expert Doctor If you’ve been struggling with chronic nasal congestion or the loss of smell, you might be wondering whether those symptoms could be a sign of something else, such as cancer. Don’t panic just yet. There’s a chance they’re just nasal polyps—soft growths in the nose or sinuses that are often described as “grape-like”—and they’re not entirely uncommon. Nasal polyps affect between 1% and 4% of the general population, most commonly in adults, according to a study published in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. While these growths can significantly impact your quality of life, “Nasal polyps are benign growths that typically do not become cancerous,” says Geoffrey B. Trenkle, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist and founder of the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy. But when it comes to any growth in the nose, it's important to know when to seek medical attention. Understanding the difference between nasal polyps and possible tumors is crucial for early detection and treatment. So, are nasal polyps cancerous? What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation. These inflammatory growths most commonly occur in people with chronic rhinosinusitis, an inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses usually caused by an illness or allergies. Your chances of getting them are even higher if you have “other conditions such as asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and in children with cystic fibrosis,” Dr. Trenkle explains. Research supports this connection—studies show that up to 36% of patients with aspirin intolerance and 7% of those with asthma develop nasal polyps. The truth about nasal polyps and cancer risk Your concern about cancer is understandable, but Dr. Trenkle is clear on this point: nasal polyps themselves are benign and don’t transform into cancer. “The main problems caused by nasal polyps relate to obstruction and chronic inflammation,” he says. “Nasal polyps cause chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, loss of smell, and sleep difficulties due to obstruction.” That said, sinonasal cancers do exist, but they are extraordinarily uncommon (and they don’t start with polyps), he says. Sinonasal cancers represent less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses, about 2,000 cases each year, according to data from the Barrow Neurological Institute. The key is knowing when a growth might not be a typical polyp, requiring closer examination. Warning sign symptoms While most nasal polyps are harmless, certain characteristics should prompt immediate evaluation by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor. “It is important to note that growths in the nasal cavity resembling a polyp but presenting with different symptoms should be evaluated by an ENT specialist to rule out rare sinonasal tumors or malignancy,” Dr. Trenkle says. The symptoms of sinonasal cancer can be deceptive, often mimicking chronic sinusitis. This can lead to late diagnosis, says Dr. Trenkle. The symptoms he identifies as “red flags” include: unilateral nasal obstruction (blocked on only one side) unilateral bleeding or nasal discharge pain or noticeable swelling to one eye, cheek, or other part of the face changes in vision numbness in the cheek or upper lip “If you experience any of these persistent or alarming symptoms, especially on only one side of the face or nose, it is critical to seek evaluation from an ENT specialist,” Dr. Trenkle emphasizes. These symptoms warrant immediate attention—they’re different from the bilateral (both sides) symptoms that are typical of benign nasal polyps. When to see a specialist Even if it’s “just” polyps, and not cancer, they can still significantly affect your quality of life. Dr. Trenkle says a diagnosis of nasal polyps is typically suspected when a patient has two or more of the following symptoms lasting for more than 12 consecutive weeks: nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, decreased or complete loss of smell, and facial pain or pressure. You don’t need to tough it out for three full months, though. “You should see an ENT specialist if the symptoms above persist for more than 10 to 12 days with no improvement after trialing over-the-counter medications, topical nasal sprays, or nasal saline lavages,” he advises. This timeline is important because it distinguishes between acute issues, which may resolve on their own, and chronic problems that need a professional. If you’re constantly reaching for tissues, understanding what’s behind your runny nose can help you determine whether it’s time to see a doctor. Treatment options The good news is that nasal polyps are highly treatable, with options ranging from medications to surgery depending on severity. “Treatment is tiered, aiming to reduce inflammation and restore nasal breathing,” says Dr. Trenkle. These treatments include corticosteroid nasal sprays, which work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. For patients who don’t respond well to topical treatments, biologic therapies represent a newer option that targets the underlying inflammatory processes. “Management of underlying etiologies, such as immunotherapy for environmental allergies, or surgical interventions” may also be necessary, Dr. Trenkle says. Surgery typically involves removing the polyps and opening the sinuses to improve drainage and reduce inflammation. While effective, it’s worth noting that polyps often recur even after surgical removal, which is why addressing the underlying inflammation remains crucial for long-term management. Before considering surgery, work closely with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment approach makes sense for your specific situation. In conclusion, understanding the difference between nasal polyps and possible tumors is essential. While nasal polyps themselves are usually benign, it’s crucial to take any unusual symptoms seriously and seek evaluation from a specialist if necessary. Early detection and appropriate treatment can make all the difference in managing nasal polyps and ensuring your overall health and well-being.
Follow & Connect
Explore My Other Blogs

Enjoyed this post? Share it or explore more across my blogs and channels.

Hi, I’m Ciro Irmici, an entrepreneur and investor from San Severo, Italy. My passions range from investments (stocks, crypto, dividends) to automation and creating businesses that help people. I believe in building things that matter, like a gym for all and a theatre for people to enjoy music. I love learning and sharing what I learn: how to create eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital products. I’m also deeply into fitness (gym, running, jump rope) and creativity (painting, music, design). My ultimate goal? To reach financial freedom and help others achieve their dreams.

Comments

Post a Comment