Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form within the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. These growths result from prolonged inflammation and can interfere with breathing and the sense of smell. The physical appearance of the tissue upon removal is often a source of curiosity and is distinct from the surrounding mucus or blood.
What Nasal Polyps Are
These growths are overgrown inflammatory tissue derived from the mucous membrane lining the nose and sinuses. Nasal polyps are strongly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, which is inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses lasting 12 weeks or more. Other conditions that increase the likelihood of developing polyps include asthma, allergies, and sensitivity to aspirin. While still inside the nose, small polyps are typically tear-drop shaped, but they can grow larger, sometimes resembling a peeled grape. They are generally painless.
Describing a Removed Nasal Polyp
When a nasal polyp exits the body, its appearance is characterized by a specific color, texture, and consistency. The tissue is usually pale, appearing greyish, yellowish, or translucent white. This pale coloration is due to the polyp being composed of edematous tissue swollen with fluid that lacks significant blood vessels. Polyps are rarely bright red unless they were actively bleeding or highly inflamed.
The texture is soft, fleshy, and gelatinous, sometimes like jelly. Unlike tumors or firm growths, polyps are sac-like and lack a hard structure. They can range significantly in size, from tiny growths comparable to a grape seed to larger masses the size of a grape. Seeing blood or a thick mucus coating on the expelled tissue is common, especially if the polyp was surgically removed or forcefully dislodged.
How Polyps Exit the Nose
Polyps exit the nose through one of two primary mechanisms: a spontaneous exit or surgical removal. Aggressive medical treatment, such as a short course of oral corticosteroids, is designed to reduce the inflammation that sustains the polyp. This rapid shrinking can cause the polyp to detach from the sinus lining. The shrunken tissue may be spontaneously blown out into a tissue during a forceful sneeze or nose blow.
The more controlled method of exit is through a procedure called a polypectomy, often performed during endoscopic sinus surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon uses specialized instruments like snares or forceps to physically remove the growths. Patients who have recently undergone this surgery may notice fragments or residual tissue coming out in the days following the procedure. This is a normal part of the post-operative clearing process.
Post-Removal Guidelines and Follow-Up
If a polyp spontaneously exits, dispose of the tissue and observe your breathing for improvement. If the exit is accompanied by excessive or continuous bleeding that does not stop, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Following any exit, avoid blowing your nose forcefully for at least a week to prevent trauma to the nasal lining.
Nasal polyps frequently recur even after successful removal due to the body’s tendency toward inflammation. Long-term management often includes the consistent use of topical corticosteroid nasal sprays and saline irrigations to suppress inflammation and reduce the likelihood of new growth. Attending all scheduled follow-up visits with your specialist is necessary to monitor the healing process and establish a recurrence prevention plan.