Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancers

This cancer starts in squamous epithelial cells, the flat cells that line most of the nasal cavity and sinuses. This is the most common type of cancer in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

These include adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which begin in minor salivary gland cells that make mucus and other fluids. They are the second most common nasal and paranasal sinus cancers.

These cancers start in immune system cells called lymphocytes. Several types of lymphoma can occur in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. One type, T-cell/natural killer cell nasal-type lymphoma, was once called midline lethal granuloma. See Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma for information about the diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas.

These cancers start in melanocytes, cells that normally give the skin its tan or brown color. Although melanoma most often develops on the skin, it can also form on the lining of the nasal cavity and sinuses or in other parts of the body.

This cancer begins in nerve cells related to the sense of smell. It usually starts near the roof of the nasal cavity, close to the cribriform plate, a bone deep in the skull between the eyes.

These rare cancers are made up of very abnormal-looking cells, so it can be hard to tell what type of cell the cancer started from. Making an accurate diagnosis is very important, as these cancers tend to grow and spread quickly.

These cancers start in supporting tissues such as muscle, bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue. Sarcomas can start anywhere in the body, including the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. See Soft Tissue Sarcoma for more information about these cancers.

Nasal polyps are abnormal growths inside the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. They usually have a teardrop shape and a smooth surface. Most nasal polyps are benign (not cancer) and are caused by some type of chronic (long-lasting) inflammation in the nose, such as from allergies or chronic sinus infections.

Using exams and imaging tests, doctors can often tell benign polyps from cancer. Sometimes a biopsy might be needed to be sure.

Small polyps that aren't causing problems might not need treatment. Larger polyps that cause symptoms might need to be treated with medicine or surgery.

Papillomas are wart-like growths that can form in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. They usually have a bumpy surface.

Papillomas are not cancer, but sometimes a squamous cell carcinoma can start in them. Because of this risk, papillomas in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are usually removed by surgery.

Inverted papilloma: This type of papilloma grows inward into the underlying tissue and bone. Even though it’s classified as a benign tumor, it can invade nearby structures like a cancer, and it tends to come back after treatment. Because of this, inverted papillomas are often treated with more extensive surgery, similar to that used for cancer.