Nasopharyngeal polyps can cause signs of upper respiratory disease, such as increased sounds associated with breathing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. These polyps typically arise from the middle ear and extend through the Eustachian tube into the nasopharynx. Occasionally they may arise from the Eustachian tube lining. The cause is unclear but may be related to chronic (longterm) inflammation.

Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign, but they can grow to a size that causes obstruction of the nasopharynx. Removal by surgery is recommended if this occurs.

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Ned F. Kuehn, DVM, MS, DACVIM; Stuart M. Taylor, PhD, BVMS, MRCVS, DECVP; Neil W. Dyer, DVM, MS, DACVP; Joe Hauptman, DVM, MS, DACVS