What Are the Symptoms of Sinus Cancer?

What Is Sinus Cancer?

Sinus cancer, medically called paranasal sinus cancer, develops in small spaces within the bones around the nose. The most common type of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the flat cells lining these tissues and cavities. Sinus cancer differs from nasopharyngeal cancer, which develops where the nose meets the throat. Rare tumours include sinus cancer; among all head and neck cancers, it accounts for only 3–5%.

Below is the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses, where sinus cancers may develop:

What Are the Symptoms of Sinus Cancer?

Sinus cancer symptoms usually affect one side of the face and resemble those of more common conditions, such as allergic rhinitis.

Are There Early Symptoms of Sinus Cancer?

According to an article published in 2021, sinus cancer unfortunately has no symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms and complaints start as the tumour grows.

Symptoms resemble those of infections or a cold, meaning people may overlook the condition.

The Most Common Sinus Cancer Symptoms

• A blocked nose lasting for weeks
• Nosebleeds
• Reduced sense of smell
• Nasal mucus that may contain blood
• Postnasal drip: mucus running down the back of the nose and throat

If you are concerned about these symptoms, consult a specialist.

Looking at sinus cancer symptoms in more detail:

Sinus cancer can cause symptoms affecting the nose and eyes.

• Nasal Symptoms

• • Persistent nasal blockage on one side (the most common symptom)
  • Nosebleeds
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Nasal mucus that may contain blood
  • Postnasal drip
  • Pus draining from the nose

• Eye Symptoms

• • Complete or partial loss of vision
  • Swelling of one eye
  • Double vision
  • Pain above or below the eye
  • Persistently watery eyes
  • Swelling of the conjunctiva, the tissue covering the white of the eye

• Other Symptoms

• • Headache
  • Loss of teeth
  • Pain or pressure affecting one ear
  • Difficulty opening the mouth
  • A lump or growth anywhere on the face
  • Persistent facial pain or numbness
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Hearing loss

How Is Sinus Cancer Diagnosed?

To diagnose sinus cancer, specialists review the person’s medical history and perform a physical examination. During the examination, they check:

• The head and neck, including the nose
• For facial numbness, swelling, pain and stiffness
• Whether lymph nodes are swollen
• The eyes for any vision problems
• Facial symmetry

If cancer is suspected, the person is referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. The specialist performs an endoscopic examination using a light and small mirrors to examine the nose, throat, mouth and tongue. They may also use one or more of the following imaging tests:

• CT (computed tomography) scan
• Facial X-ray
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Bone scan
• PET scan

In addition to imaging, a procedure that takes a small tissue sample to test for cancer—a biopsy —may also be requested. The following biopsy types, or other types, may be used:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
• Open biopsy
• Incisional and excisional biopsies: minor operations to remove part or all of a tumour

Additional tests may be requested to assess how the tumour affects the person:

• Speech tests
• Blood tests
• Heart tests
• Hearing tests
• Dental examination

Sinus Cancer and Survival Rates in General

A survival rate does not assign a lifespan to a patient. Cancer statistics often use the term relative survival rate. This helps indicate the likelihood of survival after diagnosis compared with people who do not have the condition.

For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%, a person with the disease has a 70% likelihood of surviving 5 years relative to someone without it. These figures are estimates. People are affected differently, so discussing how your own situation may be affected with your doctor is important.

Factors that may influence a person’s situation include:

• Tumour size
• Cancer stage
• Age
• General health
• Response to treatment

Table: According to the American Cancer Society, 5-year survival rates for sinus cancer are: