A nasal polyp is a small outgrowth of the mucous membrane tissue that lines the nasal passages and sinus cavities. When this tissue is constantly inflamed and swollen, a polyp may develop although the exact cause of the polyp formation is not known. While the term ‘growth in the nose or sinus’ seems serious, nasal polyps are not cancerous tumors but may sometimes occur in cases of neoplasms of the nose or paranasal sinuses.
Certain conditions like hay fever, infections or sinusitis cause a swelling of the nasal and sinus lining. This mucous membrane lines the entire nose and sinus and usually produces mucus to keep the lining moist and trap any foreign matter entering through the nose. When irritated, the mucus membrane lining will often swell and produce excess mucus (’runny, leaky or stuffed nose’). In these situations, a polyp may form from this inflamed nasal lining and starts off as a tiny ‘bump’ which can slowly grow into a small ‘lump’.
continue reading What is a Nasal Polyp – Growth in the Nose Cavity, Sinus
