Can Nasal Polyps Be Cancerous?

Finding out you have a nasal polyp can stir up some anxiety. You're not just worried about the blocked nose or the lost sense of smell. 

You may be wondering, "Could this be something more serious?"

For most people, the answer is no. Nasal polyps are harmless growths, and nasal cancer is usually uncommon. But knowing why they form, which symptoms deserve a closer look, and what the diagnostic process actually involves can help you move from fear to clarity and ensure that you know exactly when to act and what to expect.

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths that develop from the lining of your nose or sinuses. They form as a result of chronic inflammation, often linked to long-standing sinus problems, allergies, or conditions such as asthma.

They tend to be:

• Pale or greyish

• Teardrop-shaped

• Found on both sides of the nose

Generally, nasal polyps don’t threaten your health, but the symptoms they cause can affect your daily life in ways that are worth addressing.

Symptoms of nasal polyps

Not everyone with nasal polyps will notice them straight away. This is because small polyps usually cause no symptoms at all. You may not even know they’re there until your doctor spots them during a routine check.

As they grow larger or when there are multiple polyps, symptoms start to appear. These symptoms can feel like a cold or a sinus infection that keeps coming back.

You may notice:

• A persistent blocked or stuffy nose that doesn't seem to clear

• A reduced or lost sense of smell

• A runny nose or postnasal drip (that feeling of mucus dripping down the back of your throat)

• Facial pressure or a sense of fullness across your face

• Snoring or breathing through your mouth, especially at night

• Recurrent sinus infections

• Headaches, though these tend to be less common

If any of these sound familiar, especially if they’ve been going on for weeks or months, it’s worth seeing your doctor. They can help identify whether nasal polyps are the cause and guide you towards the right next steps for relief.

Can nasal polyps be cancerous?

In most cases, no. 

Most nasal polyps are benign. Nasal and sinus cancers are uncommon, and typical nasal polyps don’t turn into cancer. They’re also not considered a pre-cancerous condition.

That said, there are certain signs that your doctor may want to look into further:

• A mass on only one side of the nose

• Frequent or unexplained nosebleeds

• Pain, facial numbness, or swelling

• Any changes to your vision

• A growth that appears to be expanding quickly or has started to ulcerate

These features aren’t typical of normal nasal polyps. If any of them are present, your doctor may recommend further investigation to rule out anything more serious and give you peace of mind.
If you've been experiencing any of the red-flag symptoms, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists will assess your condition, explain what's happening, and recommend the most appropriate next steps.

How are nasal polyps diagnosed?

Finding out whether you have nasal polyps doesn't usually take long. Your doctor will take you through a few straightforward steps to understand what’s behind your symptoms.

Physical examination

Your doctor will use a nasal endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end, to look inside your nose. This gives a clear view of your nasal passages and sinuses.

During the appointment, your doctor will also ask about your medical history, such as your history of allergies, asthma, or recurring sinus infections, to better understand your condition.

In many cases, this visual examination alone is enough to confirm whether you have typical, benign polyps.

Imaging tests

If your doctor needs a clearer picture of the size, location, and extent of the polyps, or if something looks unusual, they may order imaging tests.

One of the following tests may be recommended:

• CT scan:

  • It takes detailed cross-sectional images of your sinuses and is especially helpful if surgery is considered, as it gives the surgeon a clear map to work with.

• MRI scan:

  • This imaging test is usually needed in less common cases where there’s concern about tissue involvement beyond the sinuses.

For routine nasal polyps, a CT scan is all that’s needed.

Nasal biopsy

A biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for lab testing, isn’t something that everyone needs. If your nasal polyps appear on both sides of the nose and look normal on examination, a biopsy is usually unnecessary.

It may be recommended if:

• The growth is only on one side of the nose

• There's unexplained bleeding or pain

• Imaging shows something that needs a closer look

• More information is needed to rule out anything serious

If a biopsy is needed, it’s natural to feel nervous. It’s done under local anaesthetic, which means the examined area will be numb. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and most people only feel mild pressure rather than sharp pain.

How to treat nasal polyps

Knowing you have nasal polyps can feel unsettling, and wondering what happens next is completely normal. There are effective treatment options available, and your doctor will work with you to find the right approach.

Treatment will depend on whether your polyps are confirmed benign or whether the investigation has raised any concern.

Treatment for benign nasal polyps

The first-line approach is medical. The goal is to reduce the inflammation that’s causing the polyps to form.

Your doctor may suggest:

• Steroid nasal sprays:

  • This is the most common starting point. Used daily, they can shrink polyps and help prevent them from coming back.

• Saline nasal rinses:

  • Rinsing your nose with saline helps keep the nasal passages clear and reduces irritation.

• Oral steroids:

  • Your doctor may prescribe a short course for more severe cases to bring things under control quickly.

• Allergy treatment:

  • If an underlying allergy is contributing to the inflammation, addressing it is part of the plan.

If medication alone isn't enough, surgery may be recommended, especially when:

• Nasal blockage remains severe despite treatment

• Sinus infections keep coming back

• The sense of smell is significantly affected

• Polyps return quickly, even with good medical management

The most common procedure is endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). It’s minimally invasive and usually performed as a day procedure, which means you can go home the same day.

During the procedure, your doctor gently inserts a small camera and instruments through your nostril to remove the polyps. It's worth knowing that surgery removes the polyps but doesn't prevent new ones from forming, so steroid sprays are still needed.

Treatment if a cancerous growth is found

This is uncommon, but if a biopsy confirms that a growth is cancerous, treatment will be more involved. 

Your doctor may recommend a combination of surgery to remove the tumour, followed by radiation therapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may also be added, depending on the tumour type and stage. 

Throughout this process, your doctor will guide you through every step and make sure you’re supported along the way.

When to see a doctor

Nasal polyps are common, and many people manage mild symptoms on their own. But there are times when it's worth getting professional guidance.

Consider seeing your doctor if you notice:

• Nasal blockage that has lasted more than 10-12 weeks

• A noticeable loss of smell

• Recurring sinus infections

• Symptoms on only one side of the nose

• Symptoms that aren't improving despite using nasal sprays

Living with a blocked nose or recurring sinus issues can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to stay that way. Getting checked early means you'll have answers sooner and a clear plan to start feeling better.

If you've been managing nasal symptoms for weeks without improvement, or if something just doesn't feel right, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our ENT specialists will take a thorough look, answer your questions, and help you understand exactly what you're dealing with.

FAQ

How can you tell if a nasal polyp is cancerous?

How do doctors test for cancerous nasal polyps?

Is a nose biopsy painful?

How long do nasal biopsy results take?

Can nasal polyps grow back after removal?

Is it worth getting nasal polyps removed?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.