Medicines for Nasal and sinus cancer

What it is

Nasal and sinus cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the nasal cavity (the space behind the nose) and the paranasal sinuses (the air-filled spaces in the bones around the nose). It is uncommon and mainly affects older adults, and is more common in men. Certain long-term workplace exposures (such as to wood dust, leather dust, and some other substances) increase the risk, as does smoking. A challenge is that the early symptoms are very similar to those of far more common and harmless nose conditions (such as infections or allergies), which can delay diagnosis. Symptoms can include: a persistent blocked nose, usually affecting only one side; nosebleeds; a decreased sense of smell; mucus running from the nose or down the throat; and, as it progresses, other symptoms such as facial pain or numbness, swelling, problems with the eyes (such as watering, bulging, or vision changes), a lump or growth, loose teeth, or a persistent lump in the neck. A key feature that should raise attention is symptoms affecting only one side of the nose, and symptoms that persist or do not respond to usual treatments. Because these symptoms are much more commonly caused by ordinary nose and sinus problems, they usually do not mean cancer — but persistent, one-sided, or unexplained nasal symptoms, particularly with nosebleeds or other features, should be checked. Nasal and sinus cancer is diagnosed and treated by specialist teams, and treatment depends on the type, size, and position, and may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Awareness of persistent one-sided nasal symptoms, and prompt assessment, are the key messages, and avoiding relevant workplace dust exposures and not smoking reduce the risk.

How it is treated

Nasal and sinus cancer is diagnosed and treated by specialist ENT and oncology teams, and because its symptoms mimic common nose problems, appropriate assessment of persistent or one-sided symptoms is important. Assessment usually involves examining the nose and nasal passages (including with a small camera), and, if an abnormal area is found, a biopsy (taking a sample) and scans to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and extent. Treatment depends on the type, size, and position of the cancer and the person’s general health, and often involves a combination of: surgery to remove the cancer (which may be done through the nose or, for more extensive cancers, more major surgery, with reconstruction where needed); radiotherapy; and chemotherapy in certain situations. The specific approach is planned by the specialist team, aiming to treat the cancer while preserving function and appearance as much as possible, and rehabilitation and support are provided as needed. Because early diagnosis improves outcomes, and because the symptoms resemble common conditions, the key message is to get persistent, one-sided, or unexplained nasal symptoms checked — particularly a persistent blocked nose on one side, recurrent nosebleeds, a reduced sense of smell, or facial or eye symptoms that persist. Reducing risk is also relevant: avoiding or protecting against relevant workplace dust exposures (such as wood and leather dust), and not smoking, lower the risk. It is worth keeping perspective — these symptoms are far more often due to ordinary nose and sinus problems than to cancer — but persistent, one-sided, or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored. The reassuring messages are that nasal and sinus cancer is rare, that persistent nasal symptoms are usually due to harmless causes, and that specialist treatment is available, with better outcomes when it is found early.