When to Suspect SINONASAL MALIGNANCY(CANCER)

Sinonasal( nose and sinus) malignancy or cancer can occur even though they are rare. Maxillary sinus ( sinus behind the cheek) are more commonly involved. Age groups between 45 and 85  are affected mainly. 

Males are of increased risk,  occupational exposure to wood dust, textile, leather, nickel, smoking, HPV( a viral infection) are some of the risk factors. Tumour can easily spread to the orbit ( eye) as  it is closer to the nose and sinuses. 

Tumours of the NASAL CAVITY causes unilateral congestion or blockage of the nose which is progressive. Can cause bleeding through the nose or blood stained discharge. Later nose shape will be distorted or deformed. 

SINUS cancers  manifests only after bone destruction or involvement. MAXILLARY sinus present as facial pain , bleeding from nose ,tearing from the eyes, difficulty in mouth opening, pain over the face.Tumor may present over the roof of the mouth or bulging, loosening of the teeth, bulging of eyeballs and double vision, cheek swelling in advanced cases. 

ETHMOID sinus cancer  causes unilateral ( single side) nasal block, eye watering, orbital swelling and diplopia( double vision) 

Other sinus involvement are rare. 

Any of the above symptoms symptoms you need to visit an ENT  specialist. 

NOT ALL BLEEDING THRU NOSE ARE CANCEROUS, CAN HAPPEN IN NONCANCEROUS CONDITIONS ALSO. 

Hope I cleared the doubt (who asked me to write)