Signs of nose cancer

Symptoms of the early stages of nose cancer are often runny nose, stuffy nose, sinus congestion, easily confused with flu or cold.

According to the American Cancer Society, nasal cancer (including cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses) is rare and belongs to the head and neck cancer category. Head and neck cancer accounts for about 4% of all cancer cases, of which nose cancer accounts for a small proportion. Nose cancer is more common in older men, 80% of cases occur in people aged 55 years and older.

Nasal cancer is divided into 5 stages from 0 to 4:

• Stage 0 is carcinoma in situ and exists only where it started. If detected early, cancer at this stage can be cured.
• Stage one , cancer cells have spread throughout the mucosa or outer layer of the nasal cavity but have not penetrated the bones and have not affected the lymph nodes.
• Stage two , the cancer has invaded the bones but has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
• In stage three , the tumor grows to the bones and other larger structures, attacking the lymph nodes.
• Stage 4 is metastatic cancer, spreading to organs in the body.

Many of the initial signs of nose cancer are very similar to symptoms of a common cold or flu, especially in the early stages. Signs include runny nose, nasal congestion, nasal cavity congestion, and full or congested sinuses.

Because this symptom is easily confused, many people with nose cancer are already in an advanced stage when diagnosed. By then, the cancer has spread to nearby structures such as the eye, often with symptoms such as nosebleeds or toothaches.

For example, a 2021 study of 184 nasal cavity cancer patients by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Research Center, Pakistan, found that more than 70% of participants were initially diagnosed with stage four disease.

People with signs such as runny nose, stuffy nose, or persistent sinus congestion that do not improve with regular treatment should see a doctor to determine the cause.

Nose cancer also has symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose, easily confused with colds or flu. (Illustration photo: Freepik).

Most nasal cancers are diagnosed as squamous cell carcinomas , which arise from glandular structures and systems, such as the salivary glands.

The maxillary sinus is the most common site of nasal cancer, with up to 90% of these cases being diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Less common are locations in the nasal cavity, vestibule at the entrance to the nose or ethmoid sinus. 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, lymph nodes, and sarcoma (malignant tumors affecting bones and muscles). Neuroblastoma also forms in the tissues in the upper part of the nasal cavity, commonly in children.

Nose cancer can be caused by genetic changes and gene mutations. Exposure to environmental factors also increases the risk of developing the disease. In some cases, this exposure has been associated with inhalation of nickel, chromium, leather, textile, and wood dusts; exposure to radiation such as radium in paint or contact with glue, mineral oil, formaldehyde.

Smoking and alcohol use are also risk factors for cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Human papilloma virus (HPV) and epstein-barr may also be causes.

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

Treatment for nose cancer depends on overall health, stage, and tumor spread. Stage one disease can be cured with surgery. As melanoma becomes more advanced, treatment options often include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. For seriously ill patients, treatment is often palliative care to reduce symptoms and prolong life.