Our Summary

This research paper is about a rare type of nasal polyp called a sinonasal angiomatous polyp (SAP). It can be wrongly diagnosed as cancer because its symptoms are similar. The researchers looked back at patients in their hospital who had been diagnosed with this condition between 2008 and 2015. They examined the symptoms, images from scans, and features of the disease itself.

The common symptoms included a blocked nose on one side, a runny nose, and nosebleeds. The polyps always started in the maxillary sinus (a sinus located in the cheek area) and extended into the nasal cavity. They sometimes also affected the nasopharynx, which is the area of the throat behind the nose.

Scans showed that these polyps tended to be an expanding mass that can cause bone destruction around them. Special types of scans called computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed specific features of these polyps.

The researchers concluded that using both types of scans together could lead to a more accurate diagnosis. In addition, a biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue to examine it under a microscope) could help if a doctor suspects cancer. The best treatment for SAP is complete removal of the polyp.

FAQs

  1. What are the common symptoms of sinonasal angiomatous polyp (SAP)?
  2. How can sinonasal angiomatous polyp (SAP) be accurately diagnosed?
  3. What is the optimal treatment for sinonasal angiomatous polyp (SAP)?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to ensure complete removal is done for optimal treatment. This may involve surgery to completely remove the polyp in order to prevent recurrence and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can help accurately diagnose and plan for the removal of nasal polyps. If there is suspicion of a malignant lesion, an incisional biopsy may be recommended for further evaluation. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and management of nasal polyps.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal are those with symptoms such as unilateral nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, and a mass originating from the maxillary sinus extending into the nasal cavity. Additionally, patients with radiological findings showing an expansile mass with surrounding bony destruction on computed tomography imaging and high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and hypointense rim on T2-weighted images on magnetic resonance imaging may be considered for nasal polyp removal. If there is suspicion of a malignant lesion, incisional biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Complete removal of the polyp is often the optimal treatment option for patients with sinonasal angiomatous polyps.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as unilateral nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis
  • Radiological imaging such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance may show an expansile mass originating from the maxillary sinus with bony destruction
  • Incisional biopsy may be performed if a malignant lesion is suspected

After nasal polyp removal:

  • Complete removal of the polyp is the optimal treatment choice
  • Symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis may improve or resolve
  • Follow-up imaging may show resolution of the mass and bony destruction
  • Patient may require ongoing monitoring for recurrence of polyps

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the symptoms of SAP?
  2. How is SAP diagnosed?
  3. What imaging tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of SAP?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options for SAP?
  7. How likely is it for SAP to recur after removal?
  8. What is the success rate of nasal polyp removal surgery for SAP?
  9. How long will it take to see improvement in symptoms after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or implications of having SAP?

Reference

Authors: Tam YY, Wu CC, Lee TJ, Lin YY, Chen TD, Huang CC. Journal: Int J Gen Med. 2016 Jun 17;9:207-12. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S104628. eCollection 2016. PMID: 27382326