A sinus tumor is a type of cancer that occurs in the paranasal and nasal cavities. It can be benign or malignant. The tumor may also affect other parts of the body. Symptoms can include facial numbness, pain in the face, loss of smell, and loss of voice when speaking. If the cancer is detected early, the treatment is likely to be successful. There are several types of sinus tumors. Each type has its own symptoms. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to consult with a physician if you notice any changes in your nasal cavity.
Sinonasal tumors are not very common. They occur in around 20 percent of people, but only a small percentage of them are malignant. Malignant tumors are caused by an abnormal cell that grows in the mucous membranes of the sinuses. In the case of sinus and nasal cavity cancer, the cells can be used to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign.
In the United States, there are only about 2,000 cases of sinus and nasal cavity cancer each year. Those affected are mainly men. These cancers do not show symptoms until they are advanced. When they do, they can become life-threatening. Although they are not a common occurrence, sinus and nasal cancer can be cured.
In the early stages of nasal and sinus tumors, they can be treated by surgery. Surgery is performed to remove the tumor or to remove the bone or other tissue near it. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, doctors may opt to use a combination of surgery and radiation therapy to treat the disease. Radiation can shrink the tumor and reduce its chances of coming back.
When a doctor suspects that a tumor is malignant, he or she will often biopsy the tumor. This involves inserting an endoscope into the nasal passage. Using an endoscope, the surgeon can view the tumor and take a sample of it. Using this sample, a pathologist can examine it under a microscope to identify the type of tumor.
Nasal and sinus tumors can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. There are some risks associated with each procedure, though. Surgical procedures can leave a scar and have a high risk of complications. Some tumors, especially those that can be cured with radiation, can damage the eyes, nose, and throat. Therefore, they should be treated with extreme caution.
In some cases, a patient’s health history can play a role in the development of a sinus or nasal cavity tumor. For example, patients with a genetic condition such as cystic fibrosis or Brooke-Spiegler syndrome have a higher chance of developing this type of cancer. Other risk factors for this type of cancer include exposure to formaldehyde, vapors from glue, and dust from leather.
Symptoms of a nasal or sinus cancer are similar to those of other respiratory tract diseases, such as asthma and sinusitis. If you experience any of these, it’s recommended that you see your doctor for a physical examination and tests to rule out the disorder.
