Nasal polyps are common, noncancerous, teardrop-shaped growths that form in the nose or sinuses. They typically form in the area where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. A mature polyp can resemble a peeled grape.
If a polyp is small, it most likely needs no treatment and may cause no symptoms. If the polyp is larger, it can block sinus drainage. When mucous builds up in the sinuses, the sinuses can become infected.
Nasal polyps are rarely cancerous. A definitive cause is not known, but they may be a result of long-term inflammation or they run in families. They typically can be treated with either medications or surgery.
