Sinus cancer: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Definition of sinus cancer

What is sinus cancer?

Sinus cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the sinuses, which are small cavities that are connected to each other through the airways inside the skull bones.

In addition, this cancer can also attack the paranasal sinuses, which are cavities found in the facial bones, which consist of:

• The maxillary sinuses are located in the cheek area, under the eyes on either side of the nose.
• The frontal sinus is over the inner eye and brow area.
• The sphenoid sinus is far behind the nose, between the eyes.
• The ethmoid sinus consists of many sieve-like sinuses that are formed of thin bone and mucosal tissue and are located above the nose, between the eyes.

The sinuses and paranasal sinuses have many functions, such as filtering and humidifying the air you breathe. In addition, this organ also functions to give sound resonance, lighten the weight of the skull, and shape your face and eyes.

The sinuses and paranasal sinuses are lined by mucus-producing tissue called mucosa. The mucosa itself has many types of cells, some of which can turn into cancerous salts when they grow and divide without control.

The types of sinus cells that can turn into cancer

The types of cells in the sinuses and paranasal sinuses that can act abnormally and turn into cancer cells include:

• Squamous epithelial cells, which are flat cells that line the sinuses and make up most of the mucosa.
• Glandular cells are like minor salivary gland cells, which make mucus and other fluids.
• Nerve cells, which are responsible for the sensation and sense of smell in the nose
• Infection-fighting cells (which are part of the immune system), blood vessel cells, and other support cells.

How common is this disease?

Sinus and paranasal sinus cancer is a rare type of cancer. The incidence rate is smaller than the cases of lung cancer, which also attacks the respiratory system.

Types of sinus cancer

Reporting from the American Cancer Society, there are several types of sinus or paranasal sinus cancer that generally occur, including:

• Squamous epithelial cells can become squamous cell carcinoma. This is the most common type of cancer.
• Minor salivary gland cells can turn into salivary gland cancer, adenocarcinoma type, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and mucoepidermoid cancer. It is also a common type of cancer.
• Esthesioneuroblastoma is a cancer that begins in the olfactory nerve (the nerve for the sense of smell). This cancer is also called olfactory neuroblastoma. It usually starts on the roof of the nasal cavity and involves a structure called a cribriform plate.

A less common type of sinus or paranasal sinus cancer

Less common types, such as:

• Sarcomas are cancer of the muscles, bones, cartilage, and fibrous cells that can start anywhere in the body, including the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
• Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts from melanocyte cells (cells that produce brown color in the body). This cancer is usually found in sun-exposed areas of the skin, but can form in the lining of the respiratory system.
• Lymphoma is cancer that starts in immune system cells called lymphocytes, and can occur in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. One type of lymphoma seen in this area, natural killer T-cell nasal type lymphoma, formerly called deadly midline granuloma.

Sinus cancer signs & symptoms

General symptoms

Cancer of the sinuses and paranasal sinuses can cause symptoms, including:

• Persistent stuffy nose, which usually affects only 1 side.
• Nosebleed.
• Decreased olfactory ability.
• There is mucus flowing from the nose. Sometimes the mucus runs down the back of the nose and through the throat.

These symptoms are similar to those of fairly common health problems, such as a cold or sinusitis. However, the condition does not improve even though you have taken medication.

Symptoms that occur at an advanced stage

At an advanced stage, this condition can cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Pain or numbness in the face, especially in the upper cheeks
• The lymph nodes around the neck swell.
• Vision becomes blurred or ghosting.
• The eyes become protruding or continue to water.
• Pain or pressure in one ear.
• You have a lump or a rash growing on your face, nose, or roof of your mouth.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience the signs or symptoms of cancer mentioned above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor.

Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always better to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor than to take the initiative to resolve it yourself.

Causes of sinus cancer

The exact cause of sinus and paranasal sinus cancer is not known with certainty. However, scientists think that this has something to do with damage to the DNA of the cells lining the nasal cavity and sinuses.

DNA itself is a chemical in cells that makes up genes, namely a series of commands for cells to function normally. For example, ordering cells when it is time to age and die, and divide and grow.

In damaged DNA, cell orders become chaotic. As a result, existing cells do not die, and cells continue to divide without control. This accumulation of abnormal cells can later become cancer.

Sinus cancer risk factors

Although the exact cause of sinus and paranasal sinus cancer is not known with certainty, scientists have found a variety of factors that can increase the risk, such as:

• Male gender

This type of cancer is more common in men than women.

• Being exposed to certain chemicals

Exposure to chemicals from fabric manufacturing plants, nickel, chromium, and formaldehyde for a long time can increase the risk of this cancer.

• Smoking habit

The more you smoke, the higher your risk of several types of cancer, including cancer of the nose and sinuses.

• Infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV)

This virus causes the growth of papillomas or warts.. Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancer, penile cancer, oral cancer, and throat cancer. HPV has been detected in several cancers of the nasal cavity, although it is rare.

Sinus cancer diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How do you diagnose this type of cancer?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history gathering and a physical examination. Medical tests such as CT scans and MRI are also needed to find the location of the cancer and its spread.

CT scan is preferable to use in the examination of the bony structures of the sinus and skull base. Meanwhile, MRI is better for defining details of soft tissue, such as invasion dura (lining of the brain), orbit, or the brain itself.

In order to confirm the diagnosis of sinus and paranasal cancer, the doctor will also ask you to undergo a biopsy (taking abnormal tissue in the body as a sample for examination in the laboratory).

What are the treatments that can be done?

Cancer must be treated immediately so that it does not spread more widely and cause complications. The following are common treatments for sinus and paranasal sinus cancer patients:

• Operation. This medical procedure is performed to remove cancer cells around the nasal cavity. If possible also remove other tissue that is also affected by cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or reduce the size of a malignant tumor before surgery.
• Chemotherapy.Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer using drugs, such as cisplatin, carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), docetaxel (Taxotere).^®), paclitaxel (Taxol^®), and methotrexate. The goal of this treatment is the same as radiotherapy.

Sinus cancer treatment at home

In addition to following the doctor's treatment, patients must also adopt a lifestyle that is suitable for cancer patients. The goal is to support the effectiveness of treatment, prevent cancer from recurring, and of course improve the patient's quality of life.

Some patterns of life that need to be considered and applied are:

• Quit smoking and avoid cigarette smoke around.
• Do sports regularly and don't spend time lying in bed.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and follow a doctor-directed cancer diet.
• Get enough rest and reduce stress with meditation, breathing exercises, or counseling with a psychologist.

Sinus cancer prevention

Not all cancers that attack the sinuses and paranasal sinuses can be prevented. One of the things you can do to prevent this cancer is to reduce the risk through quitting smoking, undergoing HPV vaccination, and protecting the body from exposure to factory chemicals by using protective equipment and working in accordance with SOPs.