These can have different causes:
- Polyps: These generally refer to benign (non-cancerous) growths in the nose from chronic inflammation. If there is a past history of allergic rhinitis (“sensitive nose) or chronic sinusitis, these can occur. If the polyps worsen, they can result in a blocked nose or even loss of smell (hyposmia). These conditions can usually be treated simply with medications. Occasionally a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) may be necessary to deal with the condition.
- Inferior turbinate hypertrophy: This is a normal structure present in the nose that is enlarged. You can occasionally see a lump present when you shine a light into the nose.
- Cancerous lumps/ Sinonasal tumors: Occasionally, some lumps in the nose are due to cancers. There can be several different types and only a biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Picture below shows a patient diagnosed with a melanoma within the nasal cavity (Fortunately a rare condition). Find out more about sinonasal tumors here https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17477-sinonasal-tumors.
ENT Surgeons Medical Centre