Conditions: Sinus Tumors

Sinus tumors are rare while sinus infection is common. Some symptoms that hint at a tumor being present include: only one side of the nose and sinuses is involved, persistent tear formation from one eye, one sided nasal blockage, one sided nose-bleeds, cheek numbness or slow gradual swelling. Evaluation by a head and neck surgeon involves looking in the nose with a scope, imaging such as CT and MRI, and biopsy.

juvenile nasal angiofibroma

This benign condition can be the cause of a very serious nosebleed. It typically occurs in boys around 13 years of age. Usually, one sided nasal blockage and severe nosebleeds lead to evaluation, and nasal endoscopy, scanning, and biopsy give the diagnosis.

inverted papilloma

An inverted papilloma is a benign growth that is typically slow growing but can cause one-sided nasal blockage. Although unlikely, it does have the potential to transform into a cancer.

squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that can arise in various surfaces of the body, including within the nose or sinuses. Risk factors for squamous carcinoma in the nose and sinuses include use of snuff tobacco and significant exposure to sawdust, especially from soft woods, and leatherworking.

melanoma

Melanoma is mostly found on the skin and caused by sunlight, but rarely melanoma can arise within the nose and sinuses. As with all melanomas, the risk involved is proportional to the size or thickness of the cancer. Unfortunately, in the nose, melanomas are often identified late because they may not be seen or create symptoms until they have grown significantly.

adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is a cancer arising from glands and the lining of the nose and sinuses do have mucus glands that rarely transform into cancer.

Chordoma

A sinonasal chordoma is a rare type of tumor that occurs in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It arises from notochordal remnants, which are embryonic structures that contribute to the development of the vertebral column. Sinonasal chordomas are generally slow-growing but can be locally aggressive, often leading to significant complications due to their proximity to critical structures such as the eyes, brain, and major blood vessels.