Our Summary

This research paper is about a rare and chronic disease called Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), which causes harmful growths in the lining of the nose, throat, and voice box. The paper tells the story of a 29-year-old woman who had a polyp (a growth) inside her nose for three years. Even though she had surgery to remove the polyp, it kept coming back every year. Eventually, doctors discovered that her polyp was actually caused by nasal leishmaniasis, a type of ML.

FAQs

  1. What is mucosal leishmaniasis and how does it relate to nasal polyps?
  2. Can nasal leishmaniasis cause a nasal polyp to reoccur after surgical removal?
  3. What are the symptoms of nasal leishmaniasis and how is it diagnosed?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing nasal polyp removal to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding blowing their nose too forcefully, keeping the nasal passages moist with saline spray, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of recurrence. They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding irritants like cigarette smoke and allergens to help prevent future polyps from forming.

Suitable For

Patients who have recurrent nasal polyps, especially those that do not respond to conservative treatments such as nasal steroids or nasal sprays, may be recommended for nasal polyp removal. Additionally, patients with severe symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, loss of sense of smell, or chronic sinus infections may also be candidates for nasal polyp removal. In the case of mucosal leishmaniasis, patients with nasal polyps that recur despite surgical removal may be recommended for further evaluation and treatment to rule out rare conditions such as nasal leishmaniasis.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, reduced sense of smell, postnasal drip, and headaches.
  • Patient may have undergone multiple unsuccessful treatments such as nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antibiotics.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as nasal endoscopy, CT scans, and allergy tests to confirm the presence of nasal polyps.

After nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient undergoes nasal polyp removal surgery, either through endoscopic sinus surgery or traditional surgery.
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and mild bleeding in the days following the surgery.
  • Patient is prescribed pain medication, nasal sprays, and antibiotics to prevent infection.
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions such as nasal irrigation, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
  • Patient experiences improvement in symptoms such as improved breathing, reduced nasal congestion, and improved sense of smell.
  • Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any recurrence of nasal polyps.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of nasal polyp removal surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery period after nasal polyp removal surgery?

  3. Will I need any follow-up appointments or treatments after the surgery?

  4. What are the chances of the nasal polyp recurring after surgery?

  5. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that can help manage nasal polyps?

  6. How will nasal polyp removal surgery affect my sense of smell and taste?

  7. Will there be any changes to the appearance of my nose after nasal polyp removal surgery?

  8. How can I prevent nasal polyps from recurring in the future?

  9. Is there anything I should avoid or be cautious of after nasal polyp removal surgery?

  10. Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate a complication after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Zakariaei Z, Fakhar M, Bari S, Derakhshani M, Banimostafavi ES, Soleymani M. Journal: Clin Med Insights Case Rep. 2023 Oct 3;16:11795476231186913. doi: 10.1177/11795476231186913. eCollection 2023. PMID: 37799763