Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuscancersare rare types ofhead and neck cancers. Nasal cavity cancer forms from the mucous-producing cells lining the inside of the nose. Paranasal sinus cancer can form in any of the sinuses, including the frontal sinuses (above the nose in the forehead), ethmoid sinuses (in the area between the eyes and nose), sphenoid sinuses (behind the nose), andmaxillary sinuses(in the cheekbones on either side of the nose). These cancers occur in about 2,000 people each year in the United States, and are more common in men than in women.
The usual age for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is between 45 and 85. People who work with wood, textiles, leather, flour, asbestos, and metal-plating have a higher chance of getting nasal and paranasal sinus cancer. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption also increase the risk of these cancers.
Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer: What Are the Symptoms?
According to Nader Sadeghi, MD, director of head and neck surgery at George Washington University in Washington, D.C, many symptoms of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer are similar to those of the common cold. "Sinus cancer is rare and upper respiratory infections are common, but if these symptoms persist or are not related to an infection, you must see your doctor," says Dr. Sadeghi. Here's what to look for:
- Nasal congestion.Nasal congestionthat does not go away after a cold can be a symptom of nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer. "Persistent nasal obstruction on one side of the nose may be an early symptom," notes Sadeghi.
- Sinus congestion.Persistentsinus headacheor pressure in one sinus area can be an early symptom of sinus cancer. "Achronic sinus infectionthat does not respond to antibiotics should raise a red flag," says Sadeghi.
- Nose bleeding."Recurrent bleeding from one side of the nose, especially if the bleeding is spotty, is often a sign of sinus cancer," notes Sadeghi.
- Loss of sensation.Numbness or tingling of the face or over the teeth can be caused by sinus cancer and should always be investigated.
- Swelling.Swelling around the eye or the nose can be a later sign of sinus or nasal cavity cancer. Sometimes swelling will be seen on the roof of the mouth.
- Eye symptoms.Double vision, persistent tearing, or bulging of the eye are all serious warning signs.
- Lump in the neck.If nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, this may be the first sign.
Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer: How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by taking abiopsysample of the cancer tissue and looking at it under a microscope. If sinus cancer is not visible in the nose, your doctor may need to use an endoscope, a thin tube that lets the doctor see into the sinus and take a tissue sample. Other tests include aCT scan, a kind ofX-ray从很多角度拍照,和一个MRI, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a detailed image of the body. These types of images are important because they can show doctors if the nasal cavity or sinus cancer has spread.
The best way to protect yourself from nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is to know the symptoms and catch it early. You can also lower your risk by avoidingtobacco productsand heavy use of alcohol and by wearing a protective mask if you are working around dangerous dust particles.
