Nasal and sinus cancer is a form of cancer. It generally affects the nasal cavity space behind the nose- and also the sinuses- air-filled spaces around the nose, cheekbones, and forehead. This type of cancer is different from nasopharyngeal cancer, which takes place in the area where the opening of the nose into the throat meets. The conditions of nasal and sinus cancer, though rare, are able to have quite serious health repercussions if not diagnosed and treated at the earliest. These require awareness of symptoms, potential risk factors, methods of diagnosis, and modes of treatment with which to deal effectively with the condition.
Symptoms of Nasal and Sinus Cancer
Recognizing the symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer may be difficult since many symptoms are similar to those of less serious diseases such as the common cold or a sinus infection. However, some persistent symptoms could indicate cancer and should be investigated by a healthcare professional if they occur.
The most common symptoms in the early stages include:
A stuffy nose, often on one side of the nose, that does not improve or go away. Nosebleeds for no reason. Reduced sense of smell, sometimes completely or partially. Runny nose, which may contain blood or mucus. Postnasal drip, where mucus moves down the back of the throat wall. In more advanced diseases, other symptoms may include Pain or numbness in the face, specifically pain in the cheek above the upper teeth, which does not improve.
Swollen glands in the neck may signal the spread of the cancer. Partial loss of vision or double vision may occur. The bulging of one eye tissue around the eye appears asymmetrical. Watery eye that is unrelenting and does not get better. Ear pain or pressure may result from tumour growth and its effects on adjacent structures. A lump or growth in the face, nose, or roof of the mouth, could be a sign of a tumour.
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but if they do not go away or are unusual, a doctor should be seen. Early detection greatly increases the possibility of effective treatment.
When to See a Doctor
If you have any of these symptoms, and they are new or persist, then you should consult a GP. Most of these symptoms might be because of other less serious conditions, but these symptoms mustn't be ignored. If your GP thinks that you require further investigation, then he may refer you to an ENT specialist who can carry out more detailed tests.
Diagnostic Tests for Nasal and Sinus Cancer
The diagnosis of cancer of the nasal cavity and sinuses involves physical examinations, imaging studies, and biopsy procedures. Following are the common diagnostic tests involved in its diagnosis:
Nasal endoscopy (nasoendoscopy): A long, flexible tube is inserted into the nose with a light and camera on the end to give a clear view of the nasal cavity and sinuses. This may be uncomfortable so a spray containing a local anaesthetic is sometimes used to numb the area.
Biopsy: A small portion of tissue may be removed, duringthe nasal endoscopy or other procedures, for examination under a microscope. This is done to confirm whether the suspicious growth is malignant.
Fine-needle aspiration: In cases where the cancer is suspected to have metastasized to the lymph nodes, fluid and cells are removed from the lymph node with the help of a thin needle and analyzed.
These may be followed by additional imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, or ultrasound scans after a cancer diagnosis is made to assess the size of the tumour and the location and extent of the disease.
Stages and Grades of Nasal and Sinus Cancer
The stage of nasal and sinus cancer refers to the extent of tumour spread, while the grade refers to the aggressiveness of the tumour. Both stages and grades are useful in determining appropriate treatments. Stages range from cancers that are confined to the local area (Stage 1) to those that have spread to distant regions of the body (Stage 4). Grading refers to the appearance of the tumour cells, and generally higher-grade tumours grow faster and are more likely to spread.
Risk Factors of Nasal and Sinus Cancer Although the exact cause of nasal and sinus cancer may not be known, several risk factors predispose people to the disease. These are:
Occupational exposure: It is the longer exposure to a substance at a workplace that may raise the danger of developing nasal and sinus cancer. Substances involved in riskier factors include wood dust, leather dust, cloth fibres, nickel, chromium, and formaldehyde. These were linked with the workers working in industries related to woodwork, tanning leather, and doing work with metals.
Smoking: The use of tobacco is an established risk factor for most cancers, including nasal and sinus cancer. The longer and the more a person smokes, the higher the risk.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a group of viruses that cause infection in the skin and mucous membranes. These mucous membranes line the mouth and throat among other body parts. Certain types of HPV have been linked to an increased risk of nasal and sinus cancer.
These risk factors enable one to know precautions to be observed, like the use of protection gear in high-risk occupations and cessation of smoking.
Nasal and Sinus Cancer: Treatment Options
The mode of treatment for nasal and sinus cancer depends on the stage of cancer, where the tumour is positioned, and the general health of the patient. Treatment often involves several modes of therapy, which might include:
- Surgery: One major treatment option for nasal and sinus cancers is the surgical removal of the tumour. Depending on the size and site of the tumour, surgery can be performed either openly or with minimal invasion techniques, like endoscopic microsurgery. In endoscopic surgery, the tumour is removed through small instruments and a camera inserted via the nose. This may result in less scarring and quicker recovery time.
- Radiotherapy: This is a high-energy radiation treatment that aims to destroy tumor cells. It is applied as the main modality of treatment for small-sized tumors or as an adjuvant therapy after surgery to destroy residual cancer cells. Radiotherapy is also used to reduce the size of a tumor before surgery, hence making the surgery easier.
- Chemotherapy: This is a treatment using strong drugs to slow down the growth of cancer or reduce tumours. It may be given before, as well as after, surgery and is sometimes combined with radiotherapy in more advanced stages of the disease.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach
Nasal and sinus cancer is often treated by a multidisciplinary team that includes various types of specialists, such as surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists; the MDT devises a treatment plan that caters to the individual case. Whether surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy-or a combination of these is used in the treatment will depend on the stage and location of the cancer.
These patients are also being advised to stop smoking because it increases the risk of recurrence of cancer and may enhance the adverse side effects brought about by the treatment.
Prognosis for Nasal and Sinus Cancer
The prognosis for nasal and sinus cancer depends on the type of tumor, its location, the stage at diagnosis, and the general health of a patient. Early diagnosis coupled with the timely institution of treatment obviously improves the chances of successful management and long-term survival. However, in advanced stages, the outlook may be more guarded.
Conclusion
Nasal and sinus cancers are quite less common but serious diseases if not diagnosed and treated on time. Symptoms and risk factors along with the available treatments are important features for understanding the diseased condition. The occupational risks, quitting smoking, and consultations with doctors if unusual symptoms are noted are ways through which these types of cancer may be prevented.
With the techniques of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy continuously evolving, the outlook concerning the treatment of cancers of the nose and sinuses similarly improves, offering new hopes for people with this disease.
