What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are indeed benign mucous membrane masses that typically arise in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. They result from chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa and are often associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, and chronic sinusitis. These polyps can appear smooth and are often a pale color, which is attributed to their mucous content.

Though they are non-cancerous, nasal polyps can cause significant nasal obstruction and lead to other symptoms such as loss of smell, nasal congestion, and sinus infections. Their benign nature is important because it distinguishes them from malignant growths, which are cancerous and pose a greater health risk. Understanding this aspect helps in treating nasal polyps effectively, often with medication to reduce inflammation or surgical removal if they cause severe symptoms.