About 2,000 Americans are diagnosed with nasal or paranasal sinus cancer each year. Many of these cases are caught by patients noticing specific symptoms. The earlier cancer is caught, the higher the chance of treatment success, in general.
It’s important to note: There are many non-cancerous conditions that can be associated with the symptoms we’re about to discuss, but it’s best to be vigilant and tell your doctor when you notice something out-of-the-ordinary.
With that in mind, here are some symptoms that can be associated with these types of Paranasal Sinus Cancer:
- Nosebleeds
- Nasal stuffiness/blockage that won’t go away
- Mucus discharge (from the nose or down the throat)
- Diminished sense of smell
- Vision trouble (double vision; total or partial loss of vision)
- Bulging in one eye
- Pain above or below the eye
- Watery eye
- Lasting facial pain or numbness
- Lasting lump or growth (especially on the face, nose or roof of mouth)
- Loose teeth
- Enlarged lymph nodes
If you notice these symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor right away. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, and ask you questions about your medical history and current physical state.
After the examination, if your doctor determines that more information is needed, you might be sent for imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI. These steps will help your doctor determine if cancer is present, and if so, how far it might have progressed. Put together, this information will help determine what treatment is needed.
It’s important to tell your doctor about these types of symptoms earlier rather than later — don’t wait when it comes to your health.
Make an appointment if you’d like to discuss your symptoms in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms of nasal or paranasal sinus cancer include nosebleeds, persistent nasal blockage, mucus discharge, diminished sense of smell, vision problems such as double vision or partial loss, bulging of one eye, facial pain or numbness, lasting lumps or growths on the face or inside the mouth, loose teeth, and enlarged lymph nodes. Noticing any of these symptoms should prompt a visit to your doctor for evaluation.
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and review of your medical history by a doctor. If cancer is suspected, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to determine the presence and extent of the cancer. This comprehensive evaluation helps in planning the appropriate treatment.
Early detection of nasal or paranasal sinus cancer drastically improves the chances of successful treatment. The sooner cancer is identified, the more options are available, and the less likely it is to have spread, increasing the likelihood of a better outcome.
Yes, many of the symptoms associated with nasal or paranasal sinus cancer can also result from non-cancerous conditions such as infections or allergies. However, it is important to report any unusual or persistent symptoms to a doctor to rule out cancer or receive timely treatment.
If you notice symptoms such as persistent nosebleeds, nasal blockage, vision problems, or facial lumps, you should contact your doctor immediately. Early consultation allows for proper examination, diagnosis, and timely management if cancer is present.
Imaging tests commonly used to evaluate suspected sinus cancer include X-rays and MRI scans. These tests provide detailed views of the sinus structures and help determine the presence and extent of cancer, guiding further treatment decisions.
Yes, symptoms involving the eyes can be signs of sinus cancer. These include vision trouble such as double vision or partial/total vision loss, bulging of one eye, and watery eye. These symptoms indicate possible tumor involvement near the eyes and warrant prompt medical evaluation.