Does Chronic Sinusitis Increase Cancer Risk?
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Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Cancer Risk: A Massive Data Analysis
New research involving millions of patients reveals a troubling link between chronic sinus inflammation and the development of cancer.
A Massive Dataset of 5.4 Million People
The research used data from South Korea's National Health Insurance Service and the Japan Medical Data Center. It examined the relationship between a history of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and cancer incidence in adults aged 40 and older. To prevent potential bias between the two countries, the researchers strengthened the accuracy of the results using an advanced statistical method called "Overlap Weighted Propensity Scores."
Overall cancer risk was found to be 15% higher in patients with CRS (aHR 1.15). The risk rose to 2 times higher for hematological (blood) cancers (aHR 2.02) and up to 32% higher for lung cancer (aHR 1.32).
The increase in risk was more dramatic in Japanese patients: overall cancer risk was recorded as 63% higher (aHR 1.63), blood cancer risk as 2.3 times higher, and lung cancer risk as approximately 2 times higher.
With or Without Nasal Polyps?
One of the study's most striking details concerns the distinction involving "nasal polyps" (growths in the nose). The analyses showed that, particularly in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, the overall cancer risk (a 19% increase) and lung cancer risk (a 26% increase) were more pronounced than in patients with polyps. This finding suggests that the specific inflammatory pathways in CRS without polyps may play a more critical role in cancer pathogenesis.
According to Dr. Jennifer Mulligan, the fact that obesity, smoking, and older age are shared risk factors for both cancer and rhinosinusitis makes this relationship "biologically plausible." Considering that 66% of patients with CRS do not develop polyps, this finding directly concerns a large patient population.
Key Points for Physicians and Patients
- Hematological Risk: The risk of blood cancer (lymphoma, leukemia, etc.) is highest among patients with CRS in both countries.
- Lung and Thyroid: The link between chronic upper respiratory tract inflammation and lung and thyroid cancers suggests a mechanism involving systemic spread or a shared genetic predisposition.
- The Need for Surveillance: For individuals diagnosed with CRS after age 40, adherence to cancer screening programs may be vital.
One of the most important elements in the fight against cancer is recognizing "silent risk factors." This study serves as a warning that chronic sinus inflammation may affect not only our breathing but also the body's oncological balance.
We can think of inflammation as "a small fire that has not been extinguished" in the body. If this fire persists for many years, as in CRS, it may cause cellular damage and consequently increase cancer risk. For this reason, ensuring that our patients with chronic sinusitis do not neglect treatment and attend regular check-ups should become part of a modern oncological approach.
Literature and References
- • Hackethal, V. (2026). "Chronic Rhinosinusitis Tied to Increased Cancer Risk." Medscape Medical News.
- • Cho, S. H., et al. (2026). Presentation at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting.
- • TriNetX Global Collaborative Networks Analysis (2026 Update).
- • Mulligan, J. (2026). "Inflammation and Tumor Immunology in Rhinosinusitis." University of Florida Health Commentary.
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