Sinus Cancer: What Warning Signs to Be Aware Of ?

 

Case Studies

“Mr. Zhong, 45 years old: Suffered from long-term nasal congestion and recurrent unilateral nosebleeds, initially misdiagnosed as sinusitis. Later, he developed facial numbness and blurred vision. Nasal endoscopy and biopsy confirmed sinus cancer. He underwent tumor resection followed by radiation therapy and remains under ongoing monitoring.”

 

“Mr. Li, 35 years old: Experienced nasal congestion and runny nose for six months, dismissed as rhinitis. Subsequent facial numbness and vision decline led to medical evaluation, which revealed a sinus tumor. Biopsy confirmed sinus cancer.”

 

 

What is Sinus Cancer?
Sinus cancer develops in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses (e.g., frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, or maxillary sinuses). Maxillary sinus cancer is the most common type, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Due to the sinuses’ concealed location and early symptoms resembling rhinitis, diagnosis is often delayed. By the time of detection, tumors may have invaded surrounding structures (e.g., orbits or skull base).

Common Symptoms and Complications
Early symptoms are subtle and may include unilateral nasal congestion or runny nose. As the disease progresses, symptoms may involve:

• Nasal symptoms: Persistent congestion, purulent discharge, blood-tinged mucus, nosebleeds, reduced sense of smell.
• Facial symptoms: Swelling, pain (e.g., cheek protrusion in maxillary sinus cancer).
• Ocular symptoms: Vision decline, bulging eyes, double vision due to tumor pressure on optic nerves or orbital invasion.
• Intracranial symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, or seizures if the skull base is compromised.
• Complications: Untreated sinus cancer can lead to facial deformity, vision loss, cervical lymph node metastasis, intracranial infections, meningitis, or life-threatening conditions.

Risk Factors

• Chronic inflammation: Long-term sinusitis or nasal polyps may trigger mucosal hyperplasia.
• Smoking: Harmful chemicals in smoke irritate sinus linings.
• Occupational exposure: Dust from industries like leather or woodworking.
• Viral infections: EB virus links to sinus cancer.
• Other factors: Immunodeficiency or family cancer history.

Diagnosis

• Initial exam: Nasal endoscopy to detect abnormalities.
• Imaging: CT or MRI to map tumor extent.
• Biopsy: Confirm cancer type via tissue sampling.
• Staging: PET scan to check for metastasis.

Treatment Options

• Surgery: Primary treatment for tumor removal and sinus function restoration (e.g., endoscopic or open surgery).
• Radiation therapy: Controls tumor growth post-surgery or for inoperable cases.
• Chemotherapy: For advanced or recurrent cases, often combined with radiation.
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: For late-stage patients (e.g., anti-EGFR drugs).
• Rehabilitation: Post-surgical facial reconstruction and recovery support.

Early detection is critical for effective treatment. Please immediately contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre for detailed evaluation by our ENT specialists (Tel: 3100 0555).

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

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