Nasal polyposis: an overview of differential diagnosis and treatment

Nasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. Etiology remains unclear, but allergy, asthma, aspirin sensitivity, cystic fibrosis, and infection have been associated with the disease. Clinically, nasal obstruction, anosmia/hyposmia, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, headaches, facial pain, and sleep disorders constitute the main symptoms. Intranasal examination reveals bilateral, mobile, grey, smooth and semi translucent polypoid masses that usually originate in the ethmoid sinuses or the middle meatus. Differential diagnosis is important to rule out congenital anomalies, as well as benign or malignant tumors. In the evaluation of nasal polyps, computerized tomography is helpful especially in determining the extent of the disease and in planning the surgical approach. Management of nasal polyposis consists of medical therapy and surgery. Surgical treatment is performed in cases that are refractory to medical therapy. Recurrence of nasal polyps is quite common and medical therapy after surgery is often necessary for avoiding recurrences. This paper aims to summarize the current trends in the diagnosis, management of nasal polyposis and relevant patents.