Nasal masses or growths form within your nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. These growths can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may cause various symptoms, including nasal obstruction, discharge, and even facial pain.
Types of Nasal Masses
Nasal polyps: If you have nasal polyps, you may feel like you have had a cold for months or longer. These benign growths develop in the nasal passages or sinuses and are often associated with inflammation stemming from asthma, allergies, recurrent infections, or similar conditions. A stuffy or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, and having to breathe through your mouth are all symptoms of nasal polyps.
Nasal cysts: Typically benign, nasal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within the nasal cavity or sinuses. They can cause symptoms similar to those of nasal polyps, including nasal obstruction and discharge.
Nasal tumors: Most nasal tumors are noncancerous (benign), with only about 2,000 cancerous nasal tumors diagnosed each year in the United States. Due to their size and location, even benign tumors can still cause significant symptoms like nosebleeds and nasal obstruction. Malignant tumors, such as squamous cell carcinoma, are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues, leading to more severe symptoms and requiring aggressive treatment.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
Diagnosing Nasal Polyps or Tumors
Our ENT specialists use several diagnostic techniques to determine the specific nature of your nasal growth. These include:
Physical exam: The first step in diagnosing nasal masses is examining the nasal cavity. Nasal polyps are often visible using a strong headlight and a nasal speculum to hold the nostrils open. Your doctor may also use a nasal endoscope, as it provides a more detailed view of the nasal cavity.
Imaging evaluation: Your physician may also order imaging studies, such as CT or MRI scans. These tests provide detailed information about the size and location of the growths, as well as the potential involvement of surrounding structures.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves examining a small tissue sample from the nasal mass to determine its exact nature, assess whether it is benign or malignant, and guide the appropriate treatment plan.
Treating Nasal Masses
Treatment for a nasal growth depends on whether they’re diagnosed as polyps or tumors and whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Treatments include:
Watchful waiting: Your doctor may adopt a watchful waiting approach for small, asymptomatic nasal masses. Regular monitoring ensures that your doctor can promptly address any changes in the size or symptoms of the mass.
Medical therapies: Medical therapies, including corticosteroids and antibiotics, are often used to reduce inflammation and treat underlying infections associated with nasal polyps and cysts. These medications can help shrink the size of the masses and alleviate symptoms.
Surgery: This is a common treatment for nasal masses, especially when they involve significant symptoms or are suspected to be malignant. Surgical options include:
- Polypectomy to remove nasal polyps using endoscopic techniques
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove nasal masses and improve sinus drainage.
- Surgical removal of benign or malignant tumors is often followed by reconstructive procedures to restore normal nasal function and appearance. If the growth is malignant, surgery may be followed by radiation, chemotherapy, or both.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Nasal masses and growths can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but proper diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage many of these conditions. If you experience symptoms such as nasal obstruction, discharge, or facial pain, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.