Nasal Polyps
What are Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are benign (non-cancerous) growths that occur in the nose and sinus cavities. They are often the result of exposure to specific allergens or infection in people genetically prone to developing polyps. They may result in nasal obstruction, mucoid drainage, a decrease in sense of smell, pressure, sinus headaches, and sometimes bony changes to the nose or face.
Treatment of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps respond to steroids. When they are small, they may be managed and controlled with intra-nasal steroid in the form of rinses, sprays, or injections. When polyps enlarge and no longer respond to medical therapy, surgical excision with nasal polypectomy may be pursued.
Typically, endoscopic sinus surgery is performed on initial intervention for nasal polyps. By opening-up the sinus cavities this allows for better monitoring and treatment for recurrent nasal polyps. However, should nasal polyps recur to a significant degree after sinus surgery, nasal polypectomy may be performed in the setting of revision surgery.
New pharmacologic treatments have also been introduced to the market to treat recurrent nasal polyps. This involves a bi-weekly injection of an immunomodulator called Dupilumab. This option may be attractive for our patients who are particularly poor surgical candidates either due to severe asthma or other medical conditions.
