General Information About Paranasal Sinus and nasal cavity cancer (Types of Head and Neck Cancer 7)

Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer is a malignant disease (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Paranasal sinuses

"Paranasal" means near the nose. The paranasal sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces in the bones around the nose. Sinus lined with cells that make mucus, which keeps the inside of the nose becomes dry during breathing.

There are several paranasal sinuses named after the bone that surrounds them:

• The frontal sinus in the lower forehead above the nose.
• The maxillary sinus in the cheek bones on both sides of the nose.
• The ethmoid sinuses are beside the upper nose, between the eyes.
• The sphenoid sinuses are behind the nose, in the middle of the skull.

Nasal cavity

The nose opens into the nasal cavity, which is divided into two parts of nose. Air moving through this section during breathing. Nasal cavity lies above the bone that forms the roof of the mouth and curves down at the back to join the throat. Area just inside the nostrils, called nasal vestibule. A small area of ​​specialized cells on the roof of each nasal passage sends signals to the brain to give the sense of smell.

Together the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity filter and warm the air, and make it moist before it goes into the lungs. The movement of air through the sinuses and other parts of the respiratory system help make sounds for talking.

Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer is a type of head and neck cancer

Various types of cells in the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity may become malignant.
The most common type of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer are squamous cell carcinomas. Types of cancers form in squamous cells (thin, flat cells) lining the inside of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.

Other types of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer include:

• Melanoma: Cancer that begins in cells called melanocytes, the cells that deliver natural skin tones.

• Sarcoma: Cancer that begins in muscle or connective tissue.

• Inverting papilloma: Benign tumors that form inside the nose. A small number of these changes become cancerous.

• midline granuloma: Cancer tissue in the center of the face.

Exposed to certain chemicals or dust in the workplace may increase the risk of developing cancer of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.

Anything that increases your chance of getting the disease are called risk factors. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors does not mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors for paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer include:

• Exposure to chemicals in a particular workplace or dust, such as those found in the following work:
o Furniture making.
o Sawmill work.
o Wood Craft (carpentry).
o Shoes.
o Metal-plating.
o Flour mill or bakery work.

• Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Being male and older than 40 years.

• Smoking.

Possible signs of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer include sinus problems and nosebleeds.

These and other symptoms may be caused by paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms. There may be no symptoms in early stages. Symptoms can appear as the tumor grows. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
• Blocked sinuses that are not clear, or sinus pressure.
• Headache or pain in the sinus area.
• A runny nose.
• nosebleed.
• A lump or sore in the nose that does not heal.
• A lump on the face or palate.
• Numbness or tingling in the face.
• Swelling or other trouble with the eye, such as double vision or eyes pointing in different directions.
• Pain in upper teeth, loose teeth, or dentures that no longer fit.
• Pain or pressure in the ear.

Tests that examine the sinuses and nasal cavity is used to detect (find) and diagnose paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

• Physical examination and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. History of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.

• Physical exams, face neck nose, and: A test in which doctors look to the nose with a small long-handled mirror to check for abnormal areas and examine the face and neck for lumps or swollen lymph nodes.

• X-rays of the head, neck, and chest: An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can pass through the body and onto film, making pictures of areas inside the body.

• Nasoscopy: A procedure to look inside the nose for abnormal areas. A nasoscope inserted into the nose. Nasoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, were examined under a microscope for signs cancer.

• Biopsy: removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs cancer.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• Where the tumor is located in the paranasal sinuses or nasal cavity and whether it has spread.
• The size of the tumor.
• The type of cancer.
• The patient's age and general health.
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).

Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer often have spread by the time they are diagnosed and difficult to heal. After treatment, a lifetime of frequent and careful follow-up is important because there is an increased risk of developing a second type of cancer in the head or neck.