Nose and sinus
Nasal mass
A nasal mass is any growth found inside the nose. Most are non-vascular, soft swellings such as polyps that do not bleed easily. A smaller number are vascular, meaning they have a rich blood supply and can bleed more readily. Telling the two apart guides how the mass is examined and treated.
ENT care in Bandra, MumbaiAbout Dr Adip Shetty
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Vascular and non-vascular masses
Non-vascular masses, such as ordinary nasal polyps, are usually soft, pale and do not bleed when touched. Vascular masses look redder or more swollen, bleed more easily, and are handled more carefully during examination and any biopsy.
What symptoms can it cause?
A mass can block one or both sides of the nose, change the sense of smell, or cause facial pressure. A vascular mass may cause repeated nosebleeds or bleeding when the nose is blown. A growth on one side only, especially with bleeding, is assessed more urgently.
How it is checked
An ENT doctor examines the nose with an endoscope to see the size, position and appearance of the mass. A CT or MRI scan is often arranged before any biopsy, because a scan can show whether a mass is vascular and change how a sample is safely taken.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what the mass turns out to be. Many non-vascular masses, such as ordinary or antrochoanal polyps, are removed surgically. A vascular mass may need a planned procedure, sometimes with its blood supply addressed first, to reduce bleeding during removal.
When to seek help sooner
A growth on one side with bleeding, a rapidly enlarging mass, or one affecting vision or causing facial swelling needs prompt assessment.
A note on your care
“A growth inside the nose can be a straightforward polyp or something that needs closer assessment, including whether it is likely to bleed. Let's look at it together before deciding the next step.”
A little more clarity
Common questions
Is a nasal mass cancer?
Most nasal masses are benign, such as polyps. A one-sided or unusual-looking mass is examined, and sometimes sampled, to confirm what it is.
Why does the type of mass matter before a biopsy?
A vascular mass can bleed heavily if sampled without planning. Imaging beforehand helps decide whether a biopsy is done in clinic or arranged more carefully.
Can a nasal mass in a child or teenager be serious?
Most are not, but a one-sided mass with bleeding in a child or teenager is assessed promptly, as certain vascular growths are more common at this age.
Sources and review
Updated . General information to help you prepare for a consultation.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Adip Shetty on .