Therapy
If polyps in the nose are only slightly pronounced, drug therapy is usually sufficient to treat them successfully. Drugs are used that contain the active ingredient cortisone, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Possible options are nasal drops or sprays, which have the advantage that they really only have a local effect, but only develop their effect after a few days, or tablets, which are more effective, but can often be accompanied by systemic side effects.
Often, however, treatment with cortisone is not sufficient. In such a case, an operation is performed to remove the nasal polyps. If only a single small polyp exists, it can usually be removed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis (i.e. without hospitalization).
Otherwise, the surgery is usually performed minimally invasive (i.e. without large incisions) under the view through an endoscope through the nose under general anesthesia. The removal is performed either by a tool called a nasal polyp loop or a laser. In the case of more extensive findings, the physician often also performs a complete reconstruction of the paranasal sinuses, in which further mucous membrane growths are removed or openings from the paranasal sinuses to the nose can be enlarged.
The removed material is then examined under a microscope to rule out malignant degeneration. Underlying diseases such as cystic fibrosis, ciliary dyskinesia, bronchial asthma and allergies should of course be treated in any case to prevent nasal polyps permanently. Depending on the individual clinical picture, there are different possibilities to remove a polyp in the nose.
If it is only a small polyp, it may even be sufficient to treat it with cortisone. In some cases, however, these non-surgical methods are not sufficient to treat one or more polyps in the nose and surgical removal of the polyp must be performed. Especially when breathing is restricted by the polyp, such surgical removal of the growth is indicated.
The specialists in the field of treatment and surgical removal of polyps of the nose are specialists in ear, nose and throat medicine. Thus, it is advisable for persons suffering from the disease to visit a general practitioner of ENT or a clinic with a corresponding department. The removal of the polyp or polyps (medical term: polypectomy) can be performed on an outpatient basis or under general anesthesia, depending on the individual symptoms.
The treating physician can discuss with the patient which option is best suited to the individual case. As a rule, a single polyp of medium or small size can be easily removed on an outpatient basis, while a very large polyp or several growths are better removed under general anesthesia. Even if the sinuses are severely affected, removal and treatment under general anesthesia is recommended.
The surgical technique is usually minimally invasive so that no visible scars remain after the operation. With a so-called nasal polyp loop, the mucous membrane growths can be effectively removed. In some cases lasers are also used, which use high energy to remove the growth.
To exclude malignant growths, the removed material is usually examined by pathologists. It goes without saying that if the polyps have developed on the ground of other underlying diseases, they must be treated further. This is the only way to reduce the probability of the polyps reappearing. In many cases, recurrences occur despite all this, which is why many patients require further surgery after a successful nasal polyp removal after some time.