Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Treatment

Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Treatment

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is a very rare form of malignant condition and this is reflected with its 5-year survival rate (dependent on current cancer stage). Compared to other cancers, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer has a relatively high survival:

• Stage I (earliest detection) – has a high survival rate of 63%
• Stage II – 61% survival rate
• Stage III – 50% survival rate
• Stage IV – 35% survival rate

These are all dependent on early diagnosis and immediate treatment. Treatment of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is dependent on the following methods:

• Surgery – surgery is often the first and most crucial form of treatment for these types of cancer. It is also paired with radiation therapy to ensure that re-occurrence does not happen following surgery.

Surgery becomes quite delicate and difficult because the other organs of the face are nearby, particularly the eyes. In most cases, the eyes and orbits are affected before diagnosis is conducted and partial or total removal of the eye may be necessary to remove the cancer.

• Radiation Therapy – radiation therapy is not the direct treatment but is a follow-up treatment to surgery. Precise, high concentration radiotherapy is conducted to kill remaining cancer cells and to ensure that they do not re-occur in the affected area.
• Chemotherapy – this involves the use of potent anti-cancer drugs injected either orally or directly into the blood stream via IV line. Chemotherapy is done before surgery to minimize the size of the cancer or after the surgery to prevent re-occurrence.
• Targeted Therapy – targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific cell changes and is much different and less severe than chemotherapy. The drugs used in targeted therapy, such as Centuximab, are capable of slowing down cell growth, thereby preventing further cancer growth.
• Palliative Treatment – this form of treatment is meant to relieve the patient of the pain and symptoms often associated with cancer but it is not a cure. Palliative treatment does not kill or remove cancer – it only improves the quality of life of the patient.

Palliative treatment is often only given after surgery and chemotherapy or if surgical treatment is no longer an option.

In most cases, a combination of these treatments is given. A majority of patients suffering from nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer will initially be given chemotherapy or targeted therapy prior to surgery. Afterwards palliative treatment and further chemotherapy/targeted therapy may be given.

The key to successful removal of the cancer is early detection which is why the earliest diagnosis is necessary. Because of the extent of damage and treatment necessary for these types of cancer, several medical experts will be on the case and not just a single otolaryngologist (ENT doctor). A cosmetic surgeon may also be involved to ensure that a person’s face is not disfigured or altered during and after the surgery.

For details of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus treatment, please consult our ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk