Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

Overview and Facts about Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the nose, including in the hollow spaces around the bones.

This cancer comes in several types, the most common being squamous cell carcinoma. It forms in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity.

Other cancers that can develop in the nose and sinuses include:

• Esthesioneuroblastoma
• Inverting papilloma, which are non-cancer tumors that form inside the nose. A small number of these can become cancer.
• Lymphoma
• Melanoma, which starts in the melanocytes, the cells that give skin its natural color.
• Midline granuloma, which is the cancer of tissues in the middle part of the face.
• Salivary gland cancers
• Sarcoma, which starts in muscle or connective tissue.

Signs and Symptoms of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

The signs and symptoms of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer may include:

• A lump or sore inside the nose that doesn’t heal
• A persistent runny nose
• Blocked sinuses that can’t be cleared
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Numbness or tingling in the face
• Pain or pressure in the ear or upper teeth
• Sinus pressure or pain
• Swelling of the eye or vision changes

Causes and Risk Factors of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

Smoking is the top cause of all cancers in the head and neck, including paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer. Other risk factors include:

• Being of older age or being male
• Exposure to air pollution
• Use of alcohol
• Workplace exposure to certain substances, including flour dust, glue fumes, asbestos, nickel dust or solvent fumes

Tests and Diagnosis of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

Otolaryngology specialists, otherwise known as ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors, diagnose paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer through physical examination, review of medical history and diagnostic image testing.

MRIs and CT scans can show abnormal tissues and structures. The doctor will also need to take a tissue biopsy to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

If it is cancer, the doctor then determines what stage of cancer you have and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. That influences the best treatment option.

Treatment and Care for Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

Treatment planning for each person depends on a number of factors, including the exact location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer and the person’s age and general health.

Treatment for nasal cavity and paranasal cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of treatments. The goal of treatment is to remove the cancerous tissue.