Nasal cancer is a rare form of cancer that develops in the nasal cavity (inside the nose) or the paranasal sinuses (air-filled spaces around the nose). It falls under the category of head and neck cancers, and early detection is crucial for a better prognosis.
🚨 Common Nasal Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of nasal cavity or sinus cancer can be vague at first and often resemble common sinus infections or allergies. However, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate something more serious.
Here are the most common nasal cancer symptoms to watch for:
🩸 1. Frequent Nosebleeds
Unexplained and recurring nosebleeds are one of the earliest warning signs.
👃 2. Nasal Congestion or Blockage (One-Sided)
Chronic stuffiness in one nostril that doesn’t respond to usual treatments could be due to a mass or tumor.
😮💨 3. Reduced or Lost Sense of Smell
A declining sense of smell (anosmia) that isn’t caused by a cold may be a symptom of nasal or sinus cancer.
🧠 4. Headaches or Pressure Behind the Eyes
Cancer can cause facial pain, pressure, or headaches, especially around the eyes or forehead.
👁️ 5. Vision Problems
If the tumor grows near the orbit (eye socket), it may lead to double vision, bulging eyes, or vision loss.
🦷 6. Numbness or Pain in the Upper Teeth or Face
Unusual facial sensations, numbness, or persistent pain in the cheek or upper jaw could be related to sinus tumors pressing on nerves.
🧑⚕️ 7. Swelling or Lumps on the Face, Nose, or Palate
Facial swelling, particularly around the nose, cheeks, or roof of the mouth (palate), may signal an underlying tumor.
💧 8. Persistent Runny Nose or Mucus
Unilateral (one-sided) nasal discharge, especially if it's bloody or foul-smelling, is concerning.
🩻 How Is Nasal Cancer Diagnosed?
If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or worsen, a healthcare provider may order:
Nasal endoscopy – A thin, flexible camera is used to look inside the nasal cavity.
Imaging scans – CT, MRI, or PET scans help visualize tumors and assess spread.
Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken and tested to confirm the presence and type of cancer.
Blood tests – To check for underlying health and rule out other causes.
🔍 Who Is at Risk?
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing nasal or paranasal sinus cancer:
👷 Exposure to industrial chemicals or dust (wood, leather, textiles, nickel, chromium)
🚬 Smoking and tobacco use
🧬 HPV or Epstein-Barr virus infection
👴 Age – Most common in adults over 40
📜 Family history of cancer
🩺 Nasal Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the tumor’s type, size, location, and whether it has spread.
🔹 Surgery
Often the first line of treatment to remove the tumor. Advances in endoscopic surgery make it less invasive.
🔹 Radiation Therapy
Used after surgery or as a primary treatment if surgery isn’t possible. Helps kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
🔹 Chemotherapy
In cases where cancer has spread or is aggressive, chemo may be combined with other therapies.
🔹 Immunotherapy / Targeted Therapy
For advanced or recurrent cases, these newer therapies can help the immune system fight cancer more effectively.
AI-Assisted Content Disclaimer
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human for accuracy and clarity.