Nasal & Sinus Cancer

Nasal & Sinus Cancer Treatment at Garnet Health

A diagnosis of nasal or sinus cancer can change your life in an instant. Remember, though, you are never alone. Get reliable answers and turn to the compassionate head and neck cancer specialists at Garnet Health. Our team has wide-ranging expertise in diagnosing and treating nasal and sinus cancer, as well as aftercare. As our patient, you will benefit from our:

• Specialized treatments
• Collaborative approach
• Compassionate support
• Advanced technology
• Convenient location

At Garnet Health, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to provide personalized advice to help you cope with your diagnosis and manage what comes next. First, we encourage you to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis. Armed with knowledge, you will feel better prepared to speak with your oncologist about your treatment options and care.

What Are Nasal and Sinus Cancers?

Nasal and sinus cancers develop in your sinuses, which are a system of air-filled pockets in your skull that are connected to your nasal passages. In addition to lightening the weight of your skull and enhancing the tone of your voice, your sinuses produce mucus that lubricates the inside of your nose. The mucus also  traps bacteria, dust and pollutants, helping prevent those irritants from entering your lungs.

Tumors may form when healthy cells in the membranes, bones or nerves of your sinuses change and begin to grow rapidly. The excess cells may form cancerous masses. Because the cavities in your head and neck are mainly lined with squamous cells, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of nasal and sinus cancer.

Nasal and Sinus Cancer Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Symptoms

Much like other cancers of the head and neck, the signs of nasal and sinus cancer can be  misleading. At first, it might feel as if you have a run-of-the-mill cold or sinus infection with symptoms such as nasal congestion and sinus pain. Other symptoms can include:

• Pain or pressure in your forehead, cheeks or nose, or around your eyes or ears
• Post-nasal drip at the back of your throat
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• A persistent sore inside your nose
• A lump on your face or the roof of your mouth
• Swollen or watery eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Recurrent ear infections
• Difficulty hearing
• Loss of taste or smell
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Pain, numbness or a sensation of looseness in your upper teeth
• A change in the fit of your dentures

If you have any of these symptoms and they last longer than two weeks, see you doctor for a prompt evaluation. The best treatment decisions for nasal and sinus cancer begin with an accurate, early diagnosis, which is easily accessible to you at our locations in Orange and Sullivan counties. 

Causes

Nasal and sinus cancers are relatively uncommon. In many cases, the precise cause cannot be determined. Smoking is a major risk factor, and your risk may also increase with exposure to:

• Dust from wood, textiles or leather
• Vapors from glue, formaldehyde, solvents, nickel, chromium, rubbing alcohol or radium
• The human papillomavirus (HPV)
• The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

Treatment

Nasal and sinus cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Treatment decisions are guided by the location of the tumor and whether it has spread. A surgeon may remove a relatively small tumor by performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure, such as a nasal endoscopy. However, if the cancer has spread beyond your nasal cavities and sinuses and into your cheeks, eyes, nerves or other key structures in your skull, an open surgical approach may be more appropriate. 

The head and neck surgeons at Garnet Health are skilled and experienced in performing both endoscopic and open procedures to surgically treat nasal and sinus cancers. You can feel confident when you put your care in their hands.

Receive Specialty Care in the Hudson Valley

A nasal or sinus cancer diagnosis is often followed by strong, complex emotions, a variety of information to process, and pending decisions. But with your Garnet Health team at your side, the path ahead may seem brighter and more confidence-inspiring. Our experienced head and neck cancer specialists will explain what you might expect, help you prepare and accompany you every step of the way. 

Garnet Health provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and supportive care services for nasal and sinus cancers in Orange and Sullivan Counties, including Middletown, Harris and Callicoon, NY.