Nasal and sinus cancer

Symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer include a blocked nose on one side of your nose that does not go away, nosebleeds, and some loss of smell.

It’s not always known why nasal and sinus cancer happens. It may be more likely if you smoke, are over 55, are a man, or have human papillomavirus.

Tests used to diagnose nasal and sinus cancer include using a camera to look inside the nose and a biopsy to check for cancer cells.

Nasal and sinus cancer is usually treated with surgery. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be offered.

In its early stages, nasal and sinus cancer will usually affect just your nose. It can cause symptoms such as:

• a blocked nose on one side of your nose that does not go away
• nosebleeds
• some loss of smell
• mucus running out of your nose or down your throat – the mucus may have blood in it

As the cancer grows it can affect your eyesight and cause

• double vision
• watering of one of your eyes
• bulging eyes
• some loss of vision

If the cancer spreads into other parts of your head and neck, then it can cause other symptoms. These include:

• pain and numbness in your face that does not go away
• difficulty opening your mouth
• one or more of your teeth become loose
• pain or a feeling or pressure in one of your ears
• swollen neck glands
• a lump on your face, nose, or the roof of your mouth

• you suddenly get vision problems such as double vision
• you have symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer that get worse or do not get better after a few weeks

Anyone can get nasal and sinus cancer. It is not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if you:

• smoke
• you have human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common virus spread through skin to skin contact of the genital area, often during sex
• you work, or have worked, in a job where you might breathe in things like dust from wood, leather or textiles, nickel compounds or isopropyl alcohol
• you had radiotherapy in the past to treat retinoblastoma (a rare type of eye cancer that affects young children)

You cannot always prevent nasal and sinus cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it.

• wear protective masks if you work in a job where it is likely you will be breathing in things such as wood dust

• try to quit smoking

• use condoms when having any kind of sex, to lower your chance of getting HPV

• protect yourself from getting HPV by getting the HPV vaccination if you can

You may be referred to a specialist for tests if a GP thinks you might have nasal and sinus cancer.

These tests can include:

• using a tube that has a camera and light inside it to look inside your nose and throat (nasoendoscopy)
• taking a small sample of cells from the space behind your nose and your sinuses (called a biopsy), to be checked for cancer
• using an ultrasound scan to check for any changes to the lymph nodes (part of the body's immune system) in your neck

Find out more

• Cancer Research UK: tests for nasal and paranasal sinus cancer

The treatment you’ll have for nasal and sinus cancer depends on:

• the size of the cancer and where it is
• if it’s spread to other parts of your body
• your age and general health

Most people will need surgery. Some people may also benefit from radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

You may be given a combination of chemotherapy medicine and a course of radiotherapy at the same time. This treatment is called chemoradiation.

Your specialist treatment team will:

• explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
• work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
• help you to manage the side effects of treatment
• help and support you during your recovery if you have surgery

If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.

If you have nasal and sinus cancer, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about nasal and sinus cancer.

Information and support for people affected by head and neck cancers, including nasal and sinus cancer.

• Website: https://theswallows.org.uk/
• Helpline: 07504 725 059
• The Swallows: 24/7 Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service
• Cancer Research UK: support for children and their families

Care and support for anyone affected by terminal illness

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: support services