Nasal and Paranasal Tumors – Causes Symptoms And Treatment

Nasal and paranasal tumors can either be benign or malignant. Persistent nasal congestion and loss of smell could be the first symptoms of this disease. However, if it is diagnosed early, it can be cured .

What are nasal and paranasal tumors?

Nasal and paranasal tumors are abnormal tissue growths in the nasal cavity, which is the hollow passageway for air through your nose. The tumors that grow in the nasal cavity are called nasal tumors. The tumors that grow in the air-chamber-filled paranasal sinuses are called paranasal tumors. There are several types of nasal and paranasal tumors, so the doctor can decide your treatment option depending on the type you have.

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What are the causes and symptoms of nasal and paranasal tumors?

The main reason is the abnormal mutation of healthy cells. These cells grow and multiply and start affecting the surrounding tissues. If the cells become cancerous, they can spread to distant areas as well. . The symptoms of this disease are,

• Sudden difficulty in breathing through your nose even if you don’t have a cold
• Losing the sense of smell
• Trouble in opening your mouth
• Watery eyes
• Vision problems
• Nosebleed
• Nasal discharge
• Lump in your neck
• Facial swelling
• Facial pain
• Sore at the roof of your mouth 

When should you see a doctor?

It is better to consult your doctor as soon as you experience any of these symptoms. It is always best to get yourself checked by a medical expert. 

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What are the risk factors for nasal and paranasal tumors?

If you smoke or even stay around people who smoke, it can increase your chances of developing nasal and paranasal tumors. Also, if you have to stay in a polluted environment and are exposed to airborne irritants and chemicals for long periods, it can increase your risk too. Chemicals like glue fumes, nickel, chromium, wood dust, flour dust, rubbing alcohol, etc. can be hazardous. HPV infection which is sexually transmitted is also a possible cause .

If you have this disease, it may affect your smell, vision, speech, swallowing, or chewing ability. It can also cause permanent nerve damage that will affect  sensations in your face. You may also experience trouble in the movement of your face, arms, and shoulder. 

How can we prevent nasal and paranasal tumors?

The first and foremost way to prevent is to quit smoking. 

If your job requires you to work around or at industrial waste, wear a face mask to prevent your nose from breathing in all the harmful chemicals around you. Follow the workplace safety protocols strictly to prevent this disease.

What are the treatment options for nasal and paranasal tumors?

1. Open surgery and minimally invasive surgery are the two options to treat this disease. The surgeon will make an incision in your nasal cavity or access the tumor using special tools and nasal endoscopy. Then they will then remove the tumor or other parts that the tumor has affected.
2. Radiation therapy is also a treatment option. High powered energy like X-rays and protons can kill cancerous cells, and sometimes, this option is also used after surgery.
3. Chemotherapy is another treatment option for treating nasal and paranasal tumors. It is a drug treatment that can kill cancerous cells. Sometimes it is also used after surgery in combination with radiation therapy.
4. Palliative care is a combination of many treatment options that can provide you some relief from the pain due to nasal and paranasal tumors. 

Conclusion

Nasal and paranasal tumors can be life-threatening if they are left untreated They can not only affect your sense of smell but also your vision, speech, and facial movements. If cancerous, it will also require chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, or surgery to be cured. So, if you witness the aforementioned symptoms, call your doctor now. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are all nasal and paranasal tumors cancerous?

Ans: No, they are not all cancerous. In fact, the probability of them being cancerous is very low, 10%. 

How will doctors diagnose nasal and paranasal tumors?

Ans: Doctors may use biopsy or imaging tests to diagnose this disease. They may also use an endoscopic camera inserted into your nose to check if there is any unusual lesion in your nasal cavity.

How common are nasal and paranasal tumors?

Ans: Currently, they are the second most common type of nose cancer in the world.