Nasal and sinus cancer

Nasal & sinus cancer - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Cancer Cancer types in adults Nasal and sinus cancer Nasal and sinus cancer Nasal and sinus cancer affects the nasal cavity (the space behind your nose) and the sinuses (small, air-filled cavities inside your nose, cheekbones and forehead). Its a rare type of cancer that most often affects men aged 50to 60. Nasal and sinus cancer is different to cancer in the area where the nose and throat connect. This is called nasopharyngeal cancer . Symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer The most common symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer are: a persistent blocked nose, which usually only affects 1 side nosebleeds mucus draining from the nose, which may be blood-stained a decreased sense of smell These symptoms can be similar to more common and less serious conditions, such asa cold or sinusitis . At a later stage, symptoms can include: pain or numbness in the face swollen glands in the neck partial loss of vision ordouble vision a bulging or persistently watering eye a lump or growth on yourface, nose or roof ofyour mouth When to speak to your GP Speak to your GP if you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms. Theyre very unlikely to be caused bynasal or sinus cancer, but are worth getting checked out. If your GP thinks you might need some tests to determine whats causing your symptoms, youll usually be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant in hospital. Tests you may have include: a nasalendoscopy where a long, thin, flexible tube attached to a light source is inserted into your nose to examine the area a computerised tomography (CT) scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan a biopsy (where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined)  this may be done during an endoscopy orusing a needle Whos at risk of nasal and sinus cancer Several factors are known to increase the risk of developing nasal and sinus cancer, including: your gender  men are more likely to develop nasal and sinus cancer than women prolonged exposure to certain substances through your work, including wood dust, leather dust, nickel, chromium and formaldehyde smoking  the more you smoke, the higher your risk of developing several types of cancer, including nasal and sinus cancer human papilloma virus (HPV)a group of viruses that affect the skin and moist membranes, such as the mouth and throat The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced a report on the risk of occupational nasal and sinus cancer inGreat Britain(PDF, 2Mb) . Treatments for nasal and sinus cancer The best treatment depends on several factors, including how far the cancer has spread and your general health. Treatment may include: surgery to remove a tumour which can be performed using surgical incisions (open surgery) or as keyhole surgery through the nose (endoscopic microsurgery) radiotherapy wherehigh-energy radiation is usedto kill the cancerous cells, shrink a tumour before surgery, or destroy small amounts of a tumour that may be left after surgery chemotherapy where medicine is usedto help shrink or slow down the growth of a tumour, or to reduce the risk of the cancer returning after surgery Your treatmentwill be organised by a head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT), who will discuss the treatment options with you.A combination of treatments will often be recommended. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 14 November 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Nasopharyngeal cancer Other health sites Cancer Research UK: Nasal and paranasal sinus cancer Macmillan Cancer Support: Paranasal sinus cancer Search for cancer support services near you Enter a place or postcode NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852