Paranasal sinus cancer is cancer originating in the paranasal sinuses, usually occurring in the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses.
Although rare in the United States, paranasal sinus cancers are more common in Japan and among the Bantu people of South Africa. Doctors are not sure what causes these cancers, but they are more common among people who smoke tobacco or regularly inhale certain types of wood and metal dust. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may sometimes play a role. Doctors do not think chronic sinusitis causes these cancers.
(See also Overview of Mouth, Nose, and Throat Cancers.)
Locating the Sinuses
Symptoms of Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Symptoms of paranasal sinus cancer result from the cancer pressing on nearby structures and include
Pain
A sensation of nasal obstruction
Double vision
Nosebleeds
Ear pain or fullness
Facial numbness or tingling
Loosened upper teeth underneath the affected sinus
Most people do not develop symptoms until the cancer is well advanced, because the sinuses provide room for an early cancer to grow without pressing on nearby structures.
Diagnosis of Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Imaging studies
Biopsy
Doctors do imaging studies (typically computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) to locate the tumor and describe its extent. To confirm the cancer, a doctor will do a biopsy by removing some tissue and examining it under a microscope. Doctors use a flexible viewing tube called an endoscope to see, biopsy, and sometimes remove a tumor.
Prognosis for Paranasal Sinus Cancer
The earlier paranasal sinus cancer is treated, the better the prognosis. However, survival is generally poor. Overall, about 60% of people with paranasal sinus cancer live more than 5 years.
Treatment of Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Doctors treat paranasal sinus cancer with a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. Doctors are able to remove some tumors completely through the nose using an endoscope. This surgical technique can spare uninvolved parts of the face (such as the eye), resulting in better appearance and function after surgery. Radiation therapy is given following surgery if the tumor is likely to recur. Doctors may use radiation or chemotherapy as initial treatment when surgery would be ineffective or too difficult for certain tumors.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of this resource.
American Cancer Society: Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers: An overview of cancers of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, including information on diagnosis and treatment
