Sinus Malignancy

Overview and Facts about Sinus Malignancy

Sinus malignancy is a cancerous tumor found in the sinuses or nasal passages. Cancer of the sinuses is rare, with only an estimated 2,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States.

About 60 to 70% of sinus cancers develop in the maxillary sinus which are located in the cheek, about 20 to 30% of sinus malignancy tumors form in the nasal cavity, and about 10 to 15% of cases are found in the ethmoid sinuses on the sides of the nose.

Cancerous sinus tumors can include:

• Squamous cell carcinoma, which is found in the respiratory tract
• Adenocarcinoma, which is found in the lining of the sinuses
• Lymphoma, which results from cancer in the immune or lymphatic system
• Melanoma, which is an aggressive skin cancer that can form in the nasal lining
• Esthesioneuroblastomas, which form in the nerves at the base of the skull

Symptoms and Signs of Sinus Malignancy

The type of sinus malignancy often determines the symptoms that develop. It should be noted that not all tumors are malignant and not all malignant tumors cause symptoms.

When cancer of the nasal passages is present, patients may experience prolonged symptoms, including:

Tests and Diagnosis of Sinus Malignancy

Sinus malignancy is often found because of persistent nasal symptoms that don’t respond to treatments or become recurrent. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor may perform a physical examination of the nose, head, and neck.

This exam may include using a fiberoptic scope to see into the sinuses and nasal cavity. If the doctor suspects cancer, they may order an imaging test to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests include the following:

• MRI
• CT scan
• PET scan

When tumors are present, the otolaryngology specialist may use an endoscope to take a biopsy of the mass to test the cells for cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sinus Malignancy

The underlying causes for sinus malignancy aren’t always known, but some risk factors have been identified. The most significant risk factor is smoking tobacco, and those exposed to secondhand smoke also have an increased risk. Others risk factors include:

• Regular exposure to dust from wood, leather and textiles
• Exposure to vapors from glue, formaldehyde, nickel, chromium, radium and rubbing alcohol
• Being male or being around 50 or 60 years old

Treatment and Care for Sinus Malignancy

The course of treatment depends on the type of cancer and its current stage. The doctor may recommend treating the cancer by removing the tumor and/or using radiation or chemotherapy to kill the cancerous cells. The goal is to prevent the disease from spreading.