Nasal Polyps : Tests

Examining the nose shows a grayish grape-like mass in the nasal cavity.

A physical examination will identify most polyps. Small polyps located higher up or further back may be hidden from view, but they will be detected with more sophisticated medical instruments. The otorhinolaryngologist is equipped to diagnose nasa...

A cranial CT scan is computed tomography of the head, including the skull, brain, orbits (eye sockets), and sinuses.

An MRI of the head is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct clear, detailed pictures of brain tissues. Unlike conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT), which make use of potentially harmful x-rays passing through a patient to generate images, MRI imaging is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the Earth's. A very small percentage of hydrogen atoms within the body will align with this field. The "nuclear" in the original name (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging) -- now seldom used -- refers to the proton in the nucleus of the hydrogen atom and does not imply radioactivity. When focused short radio wave pulses are broadcast towards the aligned hydrogen atoms in tissues of interest, they will return a signal of their own. The subtle differences in that signal from dissimilar tissues enables the MRI to differentiate between various organs, and potentially, provide contrast between benign and malignant (cancerous) tissue. Any imaging plane, or slice, can be projected, and then stored in a computer or printed on film. MRI is easily performed through clothing and bones. However, certain types of metal in or around the area of interest can cause significant errors in the reconstructed images. These errors are called artifacts.

An endoscope is a narrow flexible tube which contains an optical device like a telescope or magnifying lens with a bright light. In sinus endoscopy, the endoscope is inserted into the nose, and the interior of the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat is examined.

Sinus endoscopy is a procedure used to examine, diagnose, and treat disorders of the nose, sinuses, or throat. During sinus endoscopy, an endoscope- a narrow, flexible tube fitted with a fiber-optic device such as a telescope or magnifying lens- is inserted into the nose, the interior of the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat.

A sinus x-ray is an examination involving images of the air-filled cavities in the frontal bones on the skull that are lined with a mucous membrane . X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.