What Type of Doctor Removes Polyps From Inside the Nose?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. While these polyps themselves aren't cancerous, they can lead to chronic congestion, reduced sense of smell, facial pain, and frequent sinus infections. If medications don't improve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend removing polyps surgically.

Who Treats Nasal Polyps?

When you're asking "what type of doctor removes polyps from inside the nose," it helps to understand the training and expertise of different specialists:

• Otolaryngologists (ENT doctors)
  Otolaryngologists, often called ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors or ENT surgeons, are specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the head and neck. They have advanced training in:
  • Medical management of sinus and nasal disorders
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery and polypectomy techniques
  • Managing complex airway, allergy, and sleep-related breathing issues
• General Surgeons
  General surgeons focus on abdominal, breast, skin, and other soft-tissue surgeries. They typically do not operate inside the nasal passages or sinuses.

In short, an ENT surgeon is the specialist you'd see for nasal polyp removal. They combine medical treatments (like corticosteroid sprays or biologic injections) with minimally invasive surgical options when needed.

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When to See a Primary Care Provider First

You might start by visiting your family doctor or an internal medicine specialist if you have:

• Persistent nasal congestion lasting weeks
• Frequent sinus infections
• Reduced or lost sense of smell
• Facial pain or pressure

Your primary care provider can:

• Prescribe oral or nasal steroid medications
• Order imaging tests (CT scan of sinuses)
• Perform a basic nasal endoscopy
• Refer you to an ENT surgeon if surgery is likely

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Diagnosis: How ENTs Confirm Nasal Polyps

Before removing nasal polyps, ENT doctors perform a thorough evaluation:

1. Medical History & Symptom Review

   • Duration and severity of congestion
   • Allergy history or asthma diagnosis
   • Previous sinus surgeries and outcomes

2. Nasal Endoscopy

   • A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the nose.
   • Provides a clear view of polyps, inflammation, and any anatomical issues.

3. Imaging Studies

   • CT scan of the sinuses helps map the location and size of polyps.
   • Identifies sinus blockages or bone changes.

4. Allergy Testing (if indicated)

   • Skin prick tests or blood tests help determine if allergies are fueling polyp growth.

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Treatment Options

1. Medical Management

• Steroid Nasal Sprays
  First-line therapy to shrink polyps and reduce inflammation.
• Oral or Injectable Steroids
  Short-term use for larger polyps or severe symptoms.
• Biologics
  Targeted injections for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, when steroids aren't enough.
• Saline Rinses
  Daily nasal irrigation to clear mucus and irritants.

2. Surgical Removal (Polypectomy)

When medications fail or polyps return quickly, ENT surgeons perform:

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
  • Minimally invasive, uses small instruments and a camera
  • Removes polyps and opens sinus pathways for better drainage
  • Typically done under general anesthesia
• Traditional Polypectomy
  • Less common today, involves removing polyps with a small cutting device
  • May be done under local or general anesthesia

Benefits

• Improved breathing and sense of smell
• Reduced sinus infection frequency
• Better quality of life

Risks

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring or adhesion formation
• Recurrence of polyps (medications and follow-up care help minimize this)

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Recovery and Aftercare

• Immediate Post-Op
  • Nasal packing or splints may be placed for 24–48 hours
  • Mild pain or pressure, managed with over-the-counter pain relief
• First Week
  • Gentle saline irrigations, 2–3 times daily
  • Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or blowing your nose forcefully
• Follow-Up Visits
  • Regular endoscopic exams to remove crusts and monitor healing
  • Adjust medications (steroid sprays or biologics) to reduce recurrence risk

Most patients return to normal activities within a week or two and experience lasting relief from nasal obstruction and sinus symptoms.

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When to Seek Help

If you experience any of the following, speak to your doctor or seek urgent care:

• Severe facial pain or swelling
• High fever (over 101.5°F)
• Vision changes or eye pain
• Confusion, dizziness, or worsening headache

Unsure whether your nasal congestion, facial pressure, or other symptoms need medical attention? Use this free AI symptom checker to evaluate your symptoms in minutes and determine whether you should schedule a visit with your doctor or ENT specialist.

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Summary

• What type of doctor removes polyps from inside the nose?
  An ENT surgeon (otolaryngologist) specializes in nasal polyp removal through endoscopic sinus surgery or polypectomy.
• General surgeons do not typically treat nasal polyps.
• Start with a primary care visit for initial evaluation and medical management.
• If surgery is recommended, ENT doctors will explain the procedure, risks, and recovery steps.
• Ongoing medical therapy and follow-up care help prevent polyp recurrence.

Always remember: if you have serious or life-threatening symptoms, speak to a doctor right away.