Antrochoanal Polyp

An Antrochoanal Polyp (AC Polyp) is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that originates in the maxillary sinus (the sinus cavity located in the cheek area) and extends into the nasal cavity, sometimes reaching the throat (nasopharynx). Unlike other types of nasal polyps that are usually bilateral, AC Polyps commonly affect only one side of the nasal passage and are more frequent in children and young adults.

Causes

The exact cause of AC Polyps is not fully understood. However, they are often linked to:

• Chronic Sinus Infections: Long-standing inflammation in the sinus cavities.
  
• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies can irritate the nasal and sinus lining, contributing to polyp growth.
  
• Anatomical Variants: Structural differences in the sinuses that affect drainage.
  

Symptoms

Patients with AC Polyps typically experience symptoms that affect breathing and nasal function, including:

• Nasal Obstruction: Difficulty breathing through the affected side due to blockage.
  
• Nasal Discharge: Often clear or mucous-like, sometimes leading to a runny nose.
  
• Snoring and Mouth Breathing: Caused by the blockage, especially during sleep.
  
• Reduced Sense of Smell: Occurs less frequently but can be affected in some cases.
  
• Occasional Facial Pressure or Discomfort: Felt in the cheeks or around the nose due to sinus obstruction.
  

Diagnosis

Diagnosing an AC Polyp involves a few key steps:

• Nasal Endoscopy: An Endoscope with a camera is inserted through the nostril to view the nasal cavity and locate the polyp.
  
• CT Scan of the Sinuses: Imaging is often used to confirm the size and extent of the polyp, and to plan for surgery if necessary. This also helps to differentiate AC Polyps from other types of nasal or sinus masses.
  

Treatment

Since medications usually have limited effectiveness in completely resolving AC Polyps, surgery is the primary treatment. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS):

• FESS is a minimally invasive surgical approach where an endoscope is used to access the nasal cavity and sinuses without any external cuts.
  
• The surgeon uses specialized tools to remove the polyp and clear the sinus pathways, restoring normal drainage and breathing. FESS allows for precise removal of the polyp, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and reducing the risk of recurrence.
  
• Patients can typically go home the same day and may experience a relatively short recovery period with minimal discomfort.