Our Summary

This research paper is about a type of nasal polyp called the Antrochoanal polyp, and a rare subtype called the Angiomatous polyp. These polyps can sometimes be mistaken for cancer because of their symptoms. The researchers looked back at patients who had been diagnosed with the Angiomatous polyp and had undergone surgery to remove it between 2017 and 2020.

Common symptoms of the Angiomatous polyp included blockage in one nostril, a runny nose, and nosebleeds. These polyps usually start in the maxillary sinus (one of the sinuses located in your cheekbones), and can extend into the nasal cavity, sometimes even reaching the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose).

The researchers used CT scans and MRI scans to look at the polyps. The CT scans typically showed a growth with damage to the surrounding bone. The MRI scans showed high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and a hypo-intense rim on T2-weighted images. Using both types of scan together could lead to a more accurate diagnosis.

If a doctor suspects that the polyp may be cancerous, a biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue for examination) can be helpful. The best treatment for this type of polyp is to completely remove it.

FAQs

  1. What is an Angiomatous Antrochoanal polyp and how common is it?
  2. What are the common symptoms of Angiomatous Antrochoanal polyp?
  3. What is the preferred treatment for Angiomatous Antrochoanal polyp?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the nasal area clean, and taking prescribed medications as directed to prevent infection and promote proper healing. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients with nasal polyps who experience symptoms such as unilateral nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis are typically recommended for nasal polyp removal. Additionally, patients with polyps that originate from the maxillary sinus and extend to the nasal cavity, with or without involvement of the nasopharynx, may also be candidates for removal. Patients with expansile masses with surrounding bony destruction on imaging, particularly on computed tomography, may benefit from surgical removal. In cases where there is suspicion of a malignant lesion, incisional biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Overall, complete removal is the treatment of choice for patients with nasal polyps, particularly in cases of Angiomatous Antrochoanal polyps.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as unilateral nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis.
  2. Radiological imaging, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance, may show an expansile mass with surrounding bony destruction, high signal intensity on T1-weighted images, and hypo-intense rim on T2-weighted images.
  3. Incisional biopsy may be performed if a malignant lesion is suspected.

After nasal polyp removal:

  1. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to remove the Angiomatous Antrochoanal polyp.
  2. Complete removal of the polyp is the treatment of choice.
  3. Patient may experience relief from symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the symptoms of nasal polyps and how do they affect my daily life?
  2. What are the possible complications of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that could be effective for managing nasal polyps?
  5. What are the chances of the nasal polyps recurring after removal surgery?
  6. How will the surgery be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  7. Are there any specific risks or side effects associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  8. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions after the surgery?
  9. How often should I follow up with you after the nasal polyp removal surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or habits that could help prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps in the future?

Reference

Authors: Jagadeeswaran VU, Vallur S, Shivanand JS. Journal: Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Oct;74(Suppl 2):1082-1087. doi: 10.1007/s12070-020-02148-6. Epub 2020 Sep 17. PMID: 36452723