Nasal and paranasal tumors
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Nasal cavity (nose) and the paranasal sinuses are part of the respiratory system. The paranasal sinus are hollow space in the skull and facial bones around the nose. A paranasal tumor is a tumor that growth inside the sinus. Nasal tumors are caused by abnormal growth of cells that are lining inside of nasal cavity. Nasal and paranasal tumors have many types. Some are cancerous (malignant), while some are noncancerous (benign).
Treatment options for nasal and paranasal tumors are usually surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Symptoms
The following are the signs and symptoms of nasal and paranasal tumor:
- Difficulty in nasal breathing
- Anosmia (Loss of smell)
- Nose bleeding
- Nasal discharge
- Facial pain or swelling
- Watery eyes
- Eyesight problems
- Sore or lesion on the palate
- Neck lump
- Difficulty in opening the mouth
Doctor consultation is recommended for those with any persistent and concerning signs and symptoms.
Causes
A genetic mutation can cause nasal and paranasal tumors by changing the normal cells into abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can both grow and multiply out of control, outliving the healthy cells, forming a tumor later on. Abnormal cells which are cancerous can invade nearby tissues and spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.
Risk factors
The risk of developing nasal and paranasal tumors can be enhanced with the following factors:
- First-hand or second-hand smoking
- Air pollution
- Inhaling harmful chemicals and irritants in the air for a long time, including wood dust, glue fumes, rubbing alcohol and formaldehyde, dust from flour, chromium, and nickel. This often happens at a work site.
- Having contracted certain sexually transmitted infections such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Diagnosis
The following procedures may be done to diagnose nasal and paranasal tumors:
- Nasal cavity and sinuses endoscopy. A nasal endoscopy is performed using a thin tube with a light and a camera on the end. This tube is inserted into the nose to visualize the cavity through a small camera.
- Biopsy. Using special tools, this procedure is performed to collect a sample of tissue for laboratory testing after the doctor finds abnormalities structure during a nasal endoscopy.
- Imaging tests. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are used to view the nasal cavity and sinuses.
A patient might be recommended to receive additional tests and procedures, depending on the individual factors and conditions.
Treatment
The type and location of nasal and paranasal tumor are some of the factors used as well as general health to choose appropriate treatment option for the patient.
Surgery
In most cases, surgery is performed to remove nasal and paranasal tumors. Surgical options may include:
- Open surgery. An incision is made near the nose or mouth to reach the nasal cavity or sinus. Then, the tumor will be removed through the open incision in the affected areas. (e.g., bones nearby).
- Minimally invasive surgery. Apart from surgery, surgeons use nasal endoscopy and special tools to gain access to the tumor. Surgeons insert the tools with a tiny camera through the nose to perform the surgery.
Surgeons strive to avoid damaging sensitive areas surrounding nasal and paranasal tumors, as they are located near critical structures in the head, such as the brain, eyes and the nerves which are responsible for vision, hearing, and scent control etc.
Radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, high-powered energy, such as X-rays and protons, is used to kill nasal and paranasal cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be performed either alone or combination with other therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses specific drugs to destroy cancer cells for patients with nasal and paranasal tumors. Chemotherapy can be performed either before or after surgery. In certain cases, chemotherapy might be performed jointly with radiation therapy.
