Signs and symptoms of nasal cancer

Early symptoms of nasal cancer often include runny nose, nasal congestion, and sinus blockage, which can be easily mistaken for the flu or a common cold.

According to the American Cancer Society, nasal cancer (including cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses) is rare and falls under the category of head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancers account for approximately 4% of all cancer cases, with nasal cancer making up a small percentage of that. Nasal cancer is more common in older men, with 80% of cases occurring in individuals aged 55 and older.

Nasal cancer is divided into five stages, from 0 to 4. Stage 0 is carcinoma in situ and is only present where it started. If detected early, cancer at this stage is curable.

In stage one, cancer cells have spread throughout the lining or outer layer of the nasal cavity but have not invaded the bone and have not affected the lymph nodes. In stage two, the cancer has invaded the bone but has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

In stage three, the tumor has grown to the bones and other structures, attacking the lymph nodes. Stage four is when the cancer metastasizes, spreading to organs throughout the body.

Many early signs of nasal cancer closely resemble the symptoms of a common cold or flu, especially in the early stages. These signs include a runny nose, nasal congestion, blockage of the nasal passages, and sinuses feeling full or blocked.

Because this symptom is easily mistaken for other conditions, many people with nasal cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage. By then, the cancer has spread to nearby structures such as the eyes, often presenting with symptoms like nosebleeds or toothaches.

For example, a 2021 study of 184 nasal cavity cancer patients by the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Research Centre in Pakistan showed that over 70% of participants were initially diagnosed with stage four cancer.

People experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and persistent sinus blockage that don't improve with conventional treatment should see a doctor to determine the cause.

Nasal cancer is easily mistaken for a cold or flu. Photo: Freepik — Nasal cancer also presents with symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose, which can be easily mistaken for a cold or flu. (Illustration: *Freepik)*

Most nasal cancers are diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, arising from glandular structures and systems, such as salivary glands.

The maxillary sinus is the most common site for nasal cancer, with up to 90% of cases diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Less common sites include the nasal cavity, the vestibule at the nasal entrance, or the ethmoid sinuses. The disease rarely occurs in the frontal or sphenoid sinuses.

Many other types of cancer can affect the sinuses and nasal cavity, such as skin cancer, lymphoma, and sarcoma (malignant tumors affecting bone and muscle). Neuroblastoma also forms in the tissues of the upper part of the nasal cavity and is common in children.

Nasal cancer can be caused by genetic changes or gene mutations. Exposure to environmental factors also increases the risk of developing the disease. In some cases, this exposure is related to inhaling nickel dust, chromium, leather, textiles, wood; radiation exposure such as radium found in paint; or exposure to glue, mineral oil, and formaldehyde.

Smoking and alcohol use are also risk factors for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus may also be contributing factors.

Nasal endoscopy, X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET scan, and tissue biopsy are used to diagnose nasal cancer.

Treatment for nasal cancer depends on overall health, stage, and extent of tumor spread. Stage one cancer can often be cured with surgery. As the tumor progresses, treatment options typically include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. For severely ill patients, treatment usually involves palliative care to manage symptoms and prolong life.

Mai Cat (According to Very Well Health )

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