Sinus Tumor NYC

What Are Nasal Tumors & Sinus Tumors?

Nasal tumors are abnormal growths found in the nasal cavity and passageways, while paranasal tumors are found in the sinuses. These tumors are the result of abnormal cell growth. Your body is constantly managing and balancing the growth of your cells. As cells die, they are replaced by new cells. Tumors occur when your body’s cells divide and grow at an excessive rate. When this happens, cells grow uncontrollably, forming lumps that may either be cancerous or benign.

What Causes Nasal & Sinus Tumors?

There are many possible contributors to nasal and sinus-related tumors. Some patients may be genetically predisposed to certain types of cancers. Additionally, gene mutations may occur throughout one’s life that can increase the risk of developing nasal or paranasal cancer. Exposure to industrial chemicals, pollutants, or radiation may result in gene changes that can cause nasal or sinus tumors. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking or tobacco use, may also contribute to sinus tumors. However, the exact causes of nasal cancer and sinus cancer are not always known and research is continually being done in these areas to better understand these complex diseases.

What Are The Symptoms Of Nasal Tumors & Sinus Tumors?

Nasal and paranasal sinus tumors can cause a diverse range of symptoms that may affect the nose, eyes, mouth, throat, or ears. Trouble breathing through the nose is a common symptom of sinus tumors. Patients may also experience nosebleeds, nasal congestion, loss of smell and taste, facial pressure or tenderness, headaches, watery eyes, ear pain, and more. Patients experiencing any of the below symptoms should visit a sinus specialist for a professional evaluation to determine the cause(s).

Are Nasal & Sinus Tumors Cancerous?

Nasal and sinus-related tumors may be cancerous or benign. Several types of cancer can affect the nasal passageways or sinuses, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, adenocarcinoma, and sarcoma. Though these forms of cancer are relatively rare, a professional evaluation is required to determine if your growth is cancerous or benign. An MRI, CT scan, or PET scan may be used for diagnosis. Our sinus surgeon can also perform a biopsy and remove a sample of tissue from the tumor to send to a pathologist for testing.

What Are Some Common Nasal & Sinus Tumor Treatments?

Treatment for nasal and sinus tumors will depend on whether the growth is malignant or benign, as well as the location of the tumor. Cancerous growths typically require a comprehensive approach that combines multiple treatment methods. Radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may be recommended to treat the tumor. Surgery may also be an option to remove cancerous growths that are smaller in size. Non-cancerous tumors can be surgically excised to relieve symptoms. Follow-up appointments are required so our sinus surgeon can monitor recovery and observe your condition.

Can Sinus Surgery Remove Nasal & Sinus Tumors?

Surgery may be an option to remove both cancerous and benign tumors from the nasal cavity and sinuses. The precise surgical technique will depend on the location of the tumor. If the growth is located inside the nasal cavity, then a wide local excision may be performed to remove the tumor and a small section of normal tissue to ensure the entire growth has been removed.

Tumors found in the paranasal sinuses may be removed using endoscopic surgery. During this technique, our sinus surgeon will use an endoscope to see inside the nasal cavity and sinuses. The endoscope transmits real-time images using digital technology, allowing for more precision and efficiency as the tumor is surgically removed from the sinuses. Learn more about endoscopic sinus surgery by clicking here.

If your nasal or sinus-related growth is cancerous, then additional modalities like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy may be used alongside surgery to treat your condition. Our sinus surgeon can further explain the surgical techniques and treatments available to you and answer any questions you may have regarding your procedure.