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Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. The nasal cavity is the hollow space inside the nose.
The paranasal sinuses are small hollow spaces in the bones of the head surrounding the nose.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms for the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer may include:
- Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear.
- Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics.
- Bleeding through the nose.
- Frequent headaches.
- Swelling or other trouble with the eyes.
- Pain in the upper teeth.
- Problems with dentures.
To diagnose nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer, the following tests and procedures may be used:
- Physical examination: visual inspection of the nasal cavities.
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Endoscopy: the use of a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope to examine areas inside the body. The type of endoscope the doctor uses depends on the area being examined. For example,
a nasopharyngoscope is inserted through the nose so the doctor can see the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.
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Laboratory tests: examine samples of blood, urine, or other substances from the body.
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X-rays: create images of areas inside the head and neck on film.
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CT (or CAT) scan: a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the head and neck created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI): uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer to create detailed pictures of areas inside the head and neck.
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PET scan: uses sugar that is modified in a specific way so it is absorbed by cancer
cells and appears as dark areas on the scan.
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Biopsy: the removal of tissue. A pathologist studies the tissue under a microscope to make a diagnosis. A biopsy is the only sure way to tell whether a person has cancer.
Causes
All cancers are caused by dysfunctions of proteins involved in cell division, apoptosis, or DNA repair (see general characteristics). Dysfunctional proteins may arise from gene mutations or protein interactions with environments. The following
factors may increase the risk of developing nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer:
- Certain industrial exposures, such as wood or nickel dust inhalation.
- Tobacco and alcohol use.
Treatment
Treatment for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer usually includes one or more of the following:
Reference:
National Cancer Institute, USA.
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