Early signs of nasal cancer and the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Nasal cancer, a relatively rare form of head and neck cancer, accounts for about 1% of all such cases in the United States. Early detection is possible but not common due to nonspecific symptoms, late onset, and the disease's rarity.
Symptoms of nasal cancer can include pain above or below the eyes, nasal congestion and stuffiness, nosebleeds, changes to sense of smell, hearing loss, blockage of one side of the nose, postnasal drip, numbness or pain in parts of the face, bulging of one eye, pus draining from the nose, numb or loose teeth, mass or lump on the face, nose, or palate, change or loss of vision, constant watery eyes, headaches, pain or pressure in one of the ears, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, difficulty opening mouth, and other less common signs [1][3][4][5].
Potential causes and risk factors for nasal or nose cancers include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, viral infections, lifestyle factors, genetics and ethnicity, and radiation exposure [1][3]. UV light, particularly from tanning beds, sunburns, fair skin, and certain chemical exposures such as arsenic, contributes to basal cell carcinoma of the nose, the most common type of skin cancer in this area. Viral infections like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are linked to certain head and neck cancers, though HPV is more associated with oropharyngeal rather than nasal cavity cancers [3][5]. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use significantly increase the risk of head and neck cancers, including those involving the nasal area [5]. Genetics and ethnicity play a role, especially in nasopharyngeal cancer, a type of cancer located in the upper part of the throat behind the nose [3]. Radiation exposure, whether from previous treatments or environmental sources, also increases the risk [1][5].
Rare infections and inflammatory diseases causing chronic nasal symptoms can mimic or precede cancer but are distinct causes. These include syphilis, tuberculosis, rhinoscleroma, and others characterized by nasal tissue damage [2].
If a doctor suspects nasal cancer, they will likely refer the person to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, who may order imaging scans like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, bone scans, PET scans, or a biopsy [1]. Treatments for nasal cancer can vary based on factors such as tumor size, surrounding structures affected, spread to other areas of the body, overall health, and age [6]. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy [7]. In some cases, a person may be recommended to participate in a clinical trial for nasal cancer treatment [6].
The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system is used to stage cancer, assessing the tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasized status [8]. The 5-year relative survival rates for local, regional, and distant nasal cancer are 85%, 52%, and 42%, respectively, while the 5-year relative survival rate for all stages of nasal cancer combined is 58% [2][4].
It's crucial for individuals experiencing unexplained nasal congestion, postnasal drip, headaches, changes in vision, double vision, severe nosebleeds, loosening of upper teeth, trismus (inability to open the jaw), or facial pain to contact a doctor [9]. Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
References:
[1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/nasal-cavity-paranasal-sinus-cancer.html
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-cavity-paranasal-sinus-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375150
[3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-neck/patient/nasopharyngeal-treatment-pdq
[4] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). Nasopharyngeal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/nasopharyngeal/index.html
[5] World Health Organization. (2021). Head and neck cancers. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/head-and-neck-cancers
[6] American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/nasal-cavity-and-paranasal-sinus-cancer
[7] American Cancer Society. (2021). Key Statistics for Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/nasal-cavity-paranasal-sinus-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
[8] American Joint Committee on Cancer. (2021). AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th Edition. Retrieved from https://www.ajcc.org/publications/ajcc-cancer-staging-manual
[9] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Symptoms of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-cavity-paranasal-sinus-cancer/symptoms-causes/drc-20375150
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