When you have cancer, you need a supportive environment and compassionate medical care. At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, our oral, head and neck cancer specialists blend a gentle approach to care with world-recognized expertise and innovations to detect and treat your specific cancer.
We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. By collaborating with other world-renowned cancer researchers and incorporating groundbreaking discoveries, our experts design the best, most effective therapies for you.
What is nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer?
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cavity cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. It develops when cancerous (malignant) cells form in the tissues of your nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
The nasal cavity sits just above the bone that forms the roof of your mouth. The cavity curves down at the back to connect with your throat. Your nose opens into the front of your nasal cavity. Your nose is divided into two nasal passages that allow air to pass through while you’re breathing.
The paranasal sinuses are the air-filled spaces in the bones around your nose. The cells lining the sinuses make mucus that keeps your nose from drying out as you breathe.
Your nasal cavity and sinuses work together to filter and warm air. Warming air makes it moist before it enters your lungs.
Types of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
There are several types of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cells can develop in many of your body’s tissues, including skin, respiratory tract and the lining of your nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
Other types of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cavity cancer or tumors include:
- Inverting papilloma: These noncancerous (benign) tumors form inside your nose and can become cancerous.
- Melanoma: This cancer starts in melanocytes (the cells that give skin its color).
- Midline granulomas: This cancer develops in the tissues that are in the middle part of your face.
- Sarcoma: This cancer begins in your muscles or connective tissue.
Like other cancers, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cavity cancer can spread to surrounding tissues, cartilage, bones or other parts of your body. So, early detection is important. Your treatment options and outcome will depend on your genetics, as well as the location and stage of your cancer.
Symptoms of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer can be difficult to diagnose. In the early stage, you may not experience any symptoms. And symptoms that develop may be confused with other problems. Talk with your doctor if you experience:
- Blocked sinuses that don’t clear
- Eye problems (double vision, eyes pointing in different directions, pain or swelling)
- Headaches or pain in your sinuses
- Hearing loss
- Lump on your face or roof of your mouth
- Lump or sore inside your nose that doesn’t heal
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Nosebleeds
- Numbness or tingling in your face
- Pain or pressure in your ear
- Reduced sense of smell
- Runny nose
- Teeth problems (dentures don’t fit well, loose teeth or pain in upper teeth)
- Watery eyes
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for cancer that hasn’t spread is 86 percent. The five-year survival rate drops to 43 percent for cancers that spread to surrounding tissues or organs.
Risk Factors for Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
There are several environmental and genetic risk factors for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cavity cancer. Some jobs like bakery work, furniture making, sawmill work or shoemaking can also increase your risk for these cancers.
Having these risk factors or one of these jobs doesn’t mean you will develop cancer. But they do put you at a higher risk. These risk factors include:
Prevention of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
You can prevent or reduce your risk of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer by changing some of your lifestyle behaviors. Limiting certain environmental exposures can also help.
These prevention strategies include:
- Avoiding exposure to chemicals like asbestos, nickel, paint fumes and sulfuric acid
- Drinking less alcohol
- Eliminating tobacco use
- Getting vaccinated for HPV
- Taking safety precautions at work
Our team of experts at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is ready to walk with you every step of your healthcare journey. We will discuss which treatment options are best for your personal needs, and we will help you make lifestyle changes that can decrease your risk and potentially improve your outcomes.
