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. 2008 Apr;4(2):507-12.
doi: 10.2147/tcrm.s2379.

A review of nasal polyposis

Jonathan Ray Newton  1 , Kim Wong Ah-See
Affiliations

A review of nasal polyposis

Jonathan Ray Newton et al. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008 Apr.

Abstract

Nasal polyps are common, affecting up to four percent of the population. Their etiology remains unclear, but they are known to have associations with allergy, asthma, infection, cystic fibrosis, and aspirin sensitivity. They present with nasal obstruction, anosmia, rhinorrhoea, post nasal drip, and less commonly facial pain. Clinical examination reveals single or multiple grey polypoid masses in the nasal cavity. Computerized tomography allows evaluation of the extent of the disease and is essential if surgical treatment is to be considered. Management of polyposis involves a combination of medical therapy and surgery. There is good evidence for the use of corticosteroids (systemic and topical) both as primary treatment and as postoperative prophylaxis against recurrence. Surgical treatment has been refined significantly over the past twenty years with the advent of endoscopic sinus surgery and, in general, is reserved for cases refractory to medical treatment. Recurrence of the polyposis is common with severe disease recurring in up to ten percent of patients.

Keywords: disease management; nasal polyps; surgical procedures.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Typical appearance of nasal polyposis in right middle meatus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Coronal CT showing pan-opacification of the sinuses.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Anatomy of the osteomeatal complex.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Micro-debrider used in endoscopic sinus surgery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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