Nasal Cancer

Summary

Your paranasal sinuses are small hollow spaces around the nose. They are lined with cells that make mucus, which keeps your nose from drying out. The nasal cavity is the passageway just behind your nose. Air passes through it on the way to your throat as you breathe.

Cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is rare. You are at greater risk if you are:

• Male and over 40 years old
• Exposed to certain workplace chemicals
• Infected with HPV
• A smoker

There may be no symptoms at first, and later symptoms can be like those of infections. Doctors diagnose nasal cancer with imaging tests, lighted tube-like instruments that look inside the nose, and biopsies. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

National Cancer Institute

Patient Handouts

• After chemotherapy – discharge Medical Encyclopedia

Find an Expert

• American Cancer Society American Cancer Society
• American Rhinologic Society American Rhinologic Society
• Find a Cancer Doctor American Society of Clinical Oncology
• Find an ENT American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
• National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
• NCI Designated Cancer Centers National Cancer Institute
• Organizations that Offer Cancer Support Services National Cancer Institute

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Nose Neoplasms National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms National Institutes of Health

Reference Desk

• Dictionary of Cancer Terms National Cancer Institute

Specifics

• Esthesioneuroblastoma Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

Start Here

• General Information about Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer National Cancer Institute
• Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer American Society of Clinical Oncology

Statistics and Research

• Key Statistics about Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancers American Cancer Society

Living With

• Living as a Nasal Cavity or Paranasal Sinus Cancer Survivor American Cancer Society

Diagnosis and Tests

• Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer Stages American Cancer Society
• Panoramic Dental X-Ray Radiological Society of North America

Related Issues

• Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation National Cancer Institute

Journal Articles

• Nasal cancer

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Risk Factors for Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancers American Cancer Society