Nasal polyps are teardrop-shaped growths that can develop in the lining of your nose, usually found where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. They’re non-cancerous and often result from ongoing swelling and irritation caused by chronic sinusitis. If they’re small in size, you may not even know that you have polyps. The larger they are, however, the more likely they are to cause issues, including things like nasal obstruction, trouble breathing through the nose, snoring, and severe sinus headaches and pressure.
If these issues arise, it may be necessary to have your nasal polyps removed. Top Houston ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor Dr. Cecil Yeung is a specialist in this field, having performed more than 4,000 sinus surgeries with exceptional results. In this blog, Dr. Yeung will answer some common questions regarding nasal polyps and nasal polyp removal surgery.
In most cases, nasal polyps form as a result of prolonged irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses. It’s not fully understood why some people get polyps and others do not, but one predisposing factor may be your genetics. You may also be more likely to get nasal polyps if you have any of the following conditions:
The size of nasal polyps can vary. Small ones often cause no problems at all, but the larger they are, the more likely it is that they will cause issues such as:
The first step to determining the appropriate nasal polyps treatment is to be evaluated by an experienced sinus surgeon. Dr. Yeung will examine you and may recommend that you have a CT scan of your sinuses taken (a service we offer in-office). This will allow Dr. Yeung to determine if there are any structural abnormalities (such as a deviated septum) or another condition (such as chronic sinusitis) that’s causing your nasal polyps.
Conservative treatment options are always tried first and may include the following:
In cases where conservative treatments don’t provide effective relief, nasal polyps removal surgery may be considered. This type of surgery is known as a polypectomy and is often performed using an endoscope – a tube with a tiny camera that gives your doctor a detailed view inside your nose and sinuses. During this procedure, the polyps and any other problematic tissue can be precisely removed. Special instruments are passed through your nostrils to perform the corrections, so no incisions will need to be made to your face.
Nasal polyps removal may be done along with another type of surgery if other sinus or nasal-related issues are contributing to your condition. These include the following:
In many cases, nasal polyps removal can be very successful and lead to a great reduction in symptoms. However, if your nasal polyps are caused by a genetic or allergic issue, the polyps may re-emerge and require repeat treatments. Under these circumstances, nasal polyp surgery can provide relief, but it may not be permanent without additional treatment in the future.
Dr. Yeung pioneered endoscopic sinus surgery in Houston and has over 20 years of experience with treating patients suffering from nasal polyps. He has performed thousands of sinus surgeries involving nasal polyps removal with exceptional results.
Take the first step toward finding relief from nasal polyps by filling out the appointment request form right on this page or by contacting our office today.
