Nasal Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Are Nasal Cancers?

Healthy cells in the nasal cavity grow out of control and divide continuously, leading to a mass of tissue called a tumor. These tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Cancer tumors are called nasal cancers, where the cancerous cells can grow and spread to other body parts.

What Is a Nasal Cavity?

The nasal cavity is the hollow or empty space that is the present back side of the nose from which air enters the throat. Simply nostrils open into the nasal cavity; the main function of the nasal cavity is to warm up and moisten the air and filter the harmful bacteria from the air breathed in. Sense of smell is mainly from the receptors present in the nasal cavity.

What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Cancer?

Nasal cancer symptoms are common to many other conditions affecting the nasal cavity. The signs and symptoms of nasal cancers include:

Symptoms of Nose -

• Nose congestion or stiffness is seen in one or both nostrils, which does not go away, and sometimes worsens.

• Bleeding starts to appear from the nose, and sometimes pus and mucus can also be seen from the nose.

• Anosmia, also called loss of smell, is seen.

Symptoms of Eyes -

• Watery eyes.

• Swelling, pain around the eyes.

• Blurring of the vision or complete loss of eyesight is also seen.

Symptoms of Ear -

• Pain and pressure can be felt in one or both ears.

• Partial hearing loss.

General Symptoms -

• Restricted mouth opening.

• Tooth sensitivity and loosening.

• Lumps can be noticed near the collar area of the neck because of the swelling of the lymph nodes.

• Headaches.

• Loss of sensation and swelling can be seen on the face.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Anything that increases the chances of getting the disease is called a risk factor. They are two types:

Risk Factors That Cannot Be Modified:

• Sex: Nasal cancers are more common in men when compared to women.

• Age: Nasal cancer mostly affects people above 50 years of age.

• Occupational Hazards: People at the workplace are exposed to chemicals, and constant inhalation of these chemicals could lead to nasal and paranasal sinus cancers. And the chemicals include: Saw dust from the wood industry, flour dust from mills, dyes in the textile industry, nickel and chromium from the stainless steel industry, and radioactive metals such as radium 226,228 from nuclear plants.

• Smoking and Alcohol Intake: Smoking increases the risk as smoke directly passes through the nasal cavity and enters the lungs. And the risk doubles when smoking is combined with alcohol intake.

• Hereditary Factors: Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer. When treated by radiotherapy, the chances of nasal cancers are increased.

• HPV: Human papillomavirus is a virus that causes small growths(warts) in the nasal cavity. These warts can become cancerous lesions. HPV is sexually transmitted, so having safe sex is important to prevent cancers.

What Are the Diagnostic Tests to Confirm Nasal Cancers?

Following diagnostic tests are done to confirm nasal cancer:

1. Biopsy: When the doctor finds any abnormal growth in the nasal cavity during endoscopy, a small piece of the abnormal tissue is taken out and sent for laboratory tests. A biopsy report indicates the presence or absence of cancerous cells.

2. FNAC: Fine needle aspiration cytology, a thin hollow needle is inserted into the tumor or nearby lymph nodes. A small amount of liquid or a few cells are taken out and sent to the laboratory for diagnosis. It is usually indicated in cases of lymph node swelling. If the FNAC report shows any cancerous cells, it can be concluded that the swelling of lymph nodes is because of the cancerous condition. On the other hand, if FNAC does not show any cancer cells, the swelling of the lymph nodes is because of infections.

3. Endoscopy: An endoscope is an instrument with a thin long narrow tube with a camera and light on one end; on the other, it is connected to the monitor. A doctor can look at the suspicious area and can capture the photos.

4. Imaging Tests: Such as X-rays, CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and PET (positron emission tomography) scans are also done.

5. Bone scan: Can be done to check the spreading of the cancer cells.

How to Treat Nasal Cancer?

Treatment of nasal cancer depends on the location and stage of the cancer. But in some conditions, the patient's overall health and choices should also be considered when planning treatment. Overall treatment options include:

Surgery: It is a common treatment option in most conditions. Since nasal cancers are located close to important structures, care should be taken to avoid damaging the surrounding structures such as the eyes and brain ear. Surgery can be performed in two ways:

• Minimal Invasive Surgery: With the help of endoscope doctor doctors can reach the site of cancer, special instruments are inserted through the nose, and the camera at the end of the endoscope guides carry out the surgical removal of cancerous tissue.

• Open Surgery: Surgeons directly cut the nose and can directly access the cancerous tissue.

Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation kills cancer cells, which can be used alone or with surgery for a better prognosis. Radiation is advised when distant metastases are noted.

Chemotherapy: Medications control the growth and eradicate the cancerous cells in the nasal cavity. They can be given in the form of tablets or injections.

What Is the Treatment, if Cancer Has Already Spread?

If cancer has already been spread to distant areas of the body, treatments mainly focus on relieving the symptoms and improving the quality of life. In such conditions, combinations of treatments are used to ease the symptoms.

What Is Palliative Care?

It mainly focuses on extending life without compromising the quality of life. It is advised in conditions where the cancer is spread to distant body parts and is not curable. Palliative care gives:

• Emotional and physical support to the patient.

• Helps in relieving pain caused by cancer.

Conclusion

Nasal cancers are rare malignancies that can arise in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, which may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with nasal cancer. Consulting with healthcare professionals is essential for personalized guidance and care.