Nasal and paranasal tumors

Overview

Nasal cavity (nose) and the paranasal sinuses are part of the respiratory system. The paranasal sinus are hollow space in the skull and facial bones around the nose. A paranasal tumor is a tumor that growth inside the sinus. Nasal tumors are caused by abnormal growth of cells that are lining inside of nasal cavity. Nasal and paranasal tumors have many types. Some are cancerous (malignant), while some are noncancerous (benign).

Treatment options for nasal and paranasal tumors are usually surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Symptoms

The following are the signs and symptoms of nasal and paranasal tumor:

• Difficulty in nasal breathing
• Anosmia (Loss of smell)
• Nose bleeding
• Nasal discharge
• Facial pain or swelling
• Watery eyes
• Eyesight problems
• Sore or lesion on the palate
• Neck lump
• Difficulty in opening the mouth

Doctor consultation is recommended for those with any persistent and concerning signs and symptoms.

Causes

A genetic mutation can cause nasal and paranasal tumors by changing the normal cells into abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can both grow and multiply out of control, outliving the healthy cells, forming a tumor later on. Abnormal cells which are cancerous can invade nearby tissues and spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

Risk factors

The risk of developing nasal and paranasal tumors can be enhanced with the following factors:

• First-hand or second-hand smoking
• Air pollution
• Inhaling harmful chemicals and irritants in the air for a long time, including wood dust, glue fumes, rubbing alcohol and formaldehyde, dust from flour, chromium, and nickel. This often happens at a work site.
• Having contracted certain sexually transmitted infections such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV)