Our Summary

This study looked at the importance of routinely examining polyps that have been surgically removed from patients with a condition known as chronic rhinosinusitis with bilateral nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The researchers specifically wanted to describe the pathology - or the causes and effects - of these polyps and to find out how frequently they turned out to be tumors. They looked back at the medical records of all patients with CRSwNP who had undergone a certain type of nasal surgery between 2006 and 2015, and had their polyps examined afterwards, at a major medical center. They also analyzed the patients’ demographic information and whether or not a nasal lesion had been suspected of being a tumor before the surgery. In total, 235 patients had both of their nasal polyps removed and the polyps examined. In cases where there was no suspicion of a tumor, 2.3% of the polyps (5 cases) turned out to be a type of tumor called inverted papilloma. The researchers concluded that even though these kinds of tumors are rare, every nasal polyp should be examined after surgery to make sure potentially serious conditions aren’t missed. They also emphasized that this kind of examination should be routine, especially for older patients.

FAQs

  1. What was the main purpose of this study on nasal polyp removal?
  2. How many cases of tumors were identified from the nasal polyps that were examined?
  3. Why do the researchers suggest that every nasal polyp should be examined after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to make sure to follow up with regular check-ups and examinations to ensure that any potential tumors or other serious conditions are not missed. It is important to have thorough post-operative evaluations to monitor for any recurrence or new developments. Additionally, older patients may be at higher risk for certain types of tumors, so it is especially important for them to stay vigilant about their nasal health.

Suitable For

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with bilateral nasal polyps (CRSwNP) who have undergone nasal surgery are typically recommended to have their nasal polyps examined after surgery to check for any potential tumors, especially for older patients. This study found that even though tumors in nasal polyps are rare, it is important to routinely examine them to ensure that potentially serious conditions are not missed.

Timeline

  • Before nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patient experiences symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with bilateral nasal polyps, such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, facial pain, and decreased sense of smell.
  2. Patient may undergo various treatments such as nasal corticosteroids, antibiotics, and nasal irrigation to manage symptoms.
  3. If symptoms are severe and do not improve with conservative treatments, patient may be recommended for nasal polyp removal surgery.
  • After nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patient undergoes nasal polyp removal surgery to remove the polyps from the nasal passages.
  2. After surgery, the removed polyps are examined for pathology to determine the causes and effects of the polyps.
  3. In some cases, the examination may reveal that a polyp is actually a tumor, such as inverted papilloma.
  4. If a tumor is found, further treatment and monitoring may be required to ensure the patient’s health and well-being.
  5. Patient may experience relief from symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with bilateral nasal polyps after the surgery and removal of the polyps.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  3. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  4. How likely is it for nasal polyps to reoccur after surgery?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or monitoring after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options for nasal polyps?
  7. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a complication after the surgery?
  8. How will nasal polyp removal surgery affect my overall sinus health and breathing?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent nasal polyps from returning?
  10. How often should I have my nasal polyps examined after the surgery to ensure they are not tumors?

Reference

Authors: Safadi A, Carmel-Neiderman NN, Toledano R, Ungar OJ, Mokh FA, Wengier A, Fliss DM, Yafit D. Journal: Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Sep;100(5_suppl):670S-674S. doi: 10.1177/0145561319872728. Epub 2019 Sep 30. PMID: 31569997