The sinuses are a series of cavities that take up space behind the face connecting the nose, throat, and ears that allow for the flow of air and mucus formation. The good news is that cancers in the sinuses are very rare, only making up about 3 to 5 percent of reported cancer cases. However, the majority of sinus cancers turn out to be squamous cell carcinoma, which is characterized by accelerated abnormal growth. The issue with sinus cancer that makes it so dangerous is the fact that it can be challenging to detect until it begins to interfere with regular sinus activity. At this point, it could already be severe.
Signs and Symptoms of Sinus Cancer
Cancers, in general, are classified by the region of the body where they form and what kind of cell they develop into. Symptoms will vary based on a few factors; location, tumor size, and aggressiveness. When cancer develops in the sinuses, it can be hard to detect. This makes early treatment vital for getting the best outcome. Early signs can easily be mistaken for less severe conditions.
Early symptoms include:
- Nasal blockages
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Persistent runny nose and postnasal drip
One way to tell something is off is that these issues will appear to affect only one side of the nose or face, even as they mimic more common conditions. Advanced symptoms can arise if cancerous growth remains undetected or left untreated. As the tumors grow and spread, they can affect other areas of tissue and nerves that surround the sinuses.
Advanced and untreated symptoms include:
- Swelling portions on the face, nose, or the roof of the mouth
- Numbness in the face, usually around the upper cheek area
- Pressure and pain in one of the ears or eyes
- Frequent eye-watering or bulging of one eye
- Partial loss of sight, especially in just one eye
- Frequently swollen lymph nodes
Fortunately, techniques for early detection are becoming more advanced and are able to detect this type of cancer at its earliest stage. Research into sinus cancer points to environmental factors as the primary cause of developing this type of cancer. Since environmental contamination issues can affect anyone; it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor at your next check-up to schedule a screen to detect any potential problems before they can affect your health.