Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses Cancer Explained
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses cancer forms in the tissues around or near the nose. The mucosa, a mucus-producing tissue, lines the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Any of the cells in the mucosa can develop into cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers are rare in the United States. Each year, approximately 2,000 people develop the disease, with four out of five cases occurring in individuals over 55 years old. It is more common in men than in women.
Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses Cancer Treatment Options
If your doctor suspects your symptoms may point to nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses cancer, he or she will perform a series of diagnostic tests. To rule out nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses cancer, your doctor may perform the following:
- Physical exam and medical history
- Imaging tests (including x-ray, CT scan, MRI and PET scan)
- Biopsies (such as FNA biopsy, incisional, excisional, endoscopic and open biopsy)
If you are diagnosed with nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses cancer, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Sinus cancer treatment may include a variety of approaches. Depending on the cancer’s stage, surgery may be needed. Common treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and palliative care.
The Different Types of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses Cancer
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers are a form of head and neck cancer. There are several different types of nasal and paranasal cancers, including:
- Squamous cell carcinomas
- Adenocarcinomas
- Adenoid cystic carcinomas
- Mucoepidermoid cancers
- Undifferentiated carcinomas
- Melanoma
- Esthesioneuroblastoma
- Lymphomas
- Sarcomas
Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common nasal and paranasal cancers. According to NIH, squamous cell carcinomas make up about 50 percent of cancers in the nasal cavity and sinuses.
