CONDITIONS
Nasal Tumours & Mucocele
Nasal tumours grow in and around your nose but start in the nasal cavity. Paranasal sinus tumours start in chambers filled with air around the nose, referred to as the paranasal sinuses. It may be difficult to tell whether the tumour started in the nose or paranasal sinuses in advanced stages. Sinus mucoceles are cystic masses that result from obstruction of the sinus ostia, the openings that connect sinuses to the nose.
Nasal tumours occur when a mutation causes healthy cells to change into abnormal masses. When a mutation occurs, abnormal cells rapidly grow and, at the same time, die off slowly. They thrive and accumulate, forming a large mass. Cancerous cells may affect nearby tissues and also infiltrate other parts of the body.
Symptoms
- Nasal blockage
- Bleeding from the nose
- Nasal discharge
- Poor sense of smell
- Numbness of the face
- Eye swelling
- A growth on the mouth’s roof
- Loose teeth
Associated causes
Smoking, being exposed to harmful chemicals over a long period, and a family history of cancer increases your risk of developing nasal tumours.
Trauma leading to scarring and chronic inflammation can lead to development of sinus mucoceles. Mucoceles can expand and push on the structures adjacent to the paranasal sinuses. They can be drained to prevent intraorbital and intracranial extension.
When to seek treatment
Talk to your ENT specialist if you suspect you have a nasal tumour, some of the signs being frequent nosebleeds, persistent nasal blockage and eye swelling.
Treatment for nasal tumours and mucocele
Treatment depends on the type of tumour and how far the tumour has spread
Treating nasal tumours involves performing less invasive surgery or open surgery. The type of procedure Dr Cezula initiates largely depends on the whereabouts and extent of the nasal and paranasal tumour. Nasal endoscopy is a popular surgical procedure done to remove nasal tumours while at the same time preserving sensitive structures such as the eyes, brain and nerves. Your ENT surgeon works well to avoid damage to these areas depending on how far the tumour has spread. Depending on the stage of cancer and your diagnosis, Dr Cezula may suggest radiation therapy and chemotherapy to destroy residual cancerous cells. In addition, she will consult with your oncologist concerning any further treatment and keep up-to-date with your condition.
FAQ
What are the signs of paranasal sinus mucocele?
Paranasal sinus mucocele present symptoms that include:
- Eye and facial swelling
- Double vision or visual loss
- Headache
How do mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses arise?
Any condition the results in blockage of the sinus drainage pathway has a potential to result in the formation of a mucocele. A few examples are facial trauma, previous sinus surgery, chronic rhinitis and paranasal tumours.
Are sinus mucoceles painful?
Usually, sinus mucoceles are not painful, but they can grow large enough to increase pressure on the sinus walls, causing facial pain and headaches.
If the mucocele becomes infected resulting in a condition called a mucopyocele, it can also be painful