Sinus Cancer Treatment: The sinus region is one of the most complex structures in head and neck anatomy. These areas, which are connected to the nasal cavities, have vital functions such as respiration, voice resonance, and mucus drainage. However, cancer types originating from tissues in this region, although rare, can progress extremely aggressively. Tumors that appear especially in areas such as the maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus may not show symptoms in the early stages, which delays diagnosis. Despite all these challenges, promising results are being achieved today with modern surgical, radiotherapy, and targeted treatment approaches developed for “sinus cancer treatment.”
ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, aims to increase both life expectancy and quality of life with personalized treatment plans for each patient by adopting a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of sinus cancers.
What is Sinus Cancer?
Sinus cancer refers to malignant tumors that originate from mucosal cells in the paranasal sinuses, which are connected to the nasal cavities. These tumors are rare among head and neck cancers, but when diagnosed, they are usually at an advanced stage. Nearly 70% of sinus cancers occur in the maxillary sinus. Other sites include the ethmoid, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses. Histologically, the most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, but variants such as adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, malignant melanoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, and lymphoma can also be encountered.
A common characteristic of these tumors is that they initially mimic benign diseases such as sinusitis, which can lead to delays in diagnosis. The key to success in the treatment of sinus cancers is early diagnosis, accurate staging, and personalized treatment protocol.
Causes and Risk Factors of Sinus Cancer
Although the exact causes of sinus cancers are not fully known, some environmental and occupational exposures have been shown to increase the risk. The main risk factors are:
Wood dust, furniture, and leather craftsmanship: The risk of developing adenocarcinoma is high especially in those exposed to wood dust for a long time (for example, carpenters).
Exposure to chemicals such as nickel, chromium, and formaldehyde: The incidence increases in industrial workers.
Smoking: As with other head and neck cancers, it is a factor that increases the risk here as well.
Viral infections such as HPV and EBV: Associated especially with rare subtypes.
Chronic sinusitis and recurrent inflammations: Continuous irritation can pave the way for malignant transformation of tissues.
Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen recommends early screening and symptom monitoring especially in individuals exposed to these risk factors, ensuring intervention without delay.
Symptoms of Sinus Cancer
The symptoms of sinus cancer can be quite insidious and slowly progressive. This situation leads to delays in diagnosis and causes the disease to be noticed at a more advanced stage. Although symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor, they can be listed as follows:
- Unilateral and prolonged nasal congestion
- Bloody or foul-smelling discharge from the nose
- Pain, fullness, or numbness in the face
- Swelling in the eye, double vision, or limitation in eye movements
- Swelling under the eye or protrusion of the eyeball
- Toothache or tooth loss
- Cheek swelling or skin discoloration
- Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck
If one or more of these symptoms persist, especially unilaterally and for a long time, an ear, nose, and throat specialist should be consulted without delay.
Diagnostic Methods for Sinus Cancer
The diagnostic process in sinus cancer should be supported by careful evaluation of clinical findings and advanced imaging methods. The basic steps followed in the diagnostic phase are:
Physical Examination and Endoscopic Examination: The nasal cavity is examined in detail with an endoscopic camera.
Imaging Methods: Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provide information about tumor spread, bone erosion, and soft tissue involvement.
Biopsy: The sample taken from the suspicious mass is examined pathologically and a definitive diagnosis is made.
PET-CT: Used in metastasis investigation and treatment planning.
Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen ensures the fastest and most accurate diagnosis is reached in this process with multidisciplinary cooperation in both imaging and biopsy stages.
Treatment Methods for Sinus Cancer
The goal in the treatment of sinus cancers is to completely control the disease, preserve the functional structure, and improve the quality of life. To achieve this goal, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are often used together in most cases.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is the most effective treatment method for localized sinus tumors. While in early stages the tumor can be removed in a minimally invasive way with endoscopic surgery, in advanced stages larger areas are cleaned with open methods. During surgery, generally:
- Complete removal of the tumor
- Removal of part of the orbital wall, palate, or nasal septum if necessary
- Ensuring microscopic cleaning
- Minimal healthy tissue loss is targeted with advanced navigation systems
Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen prioritizes the patient’s post-operative comfort by planning surgery in a way that preserves aesthetic and functional balance.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is generally applied to destroy remaining tumor cells after surgery. In advanced stages or in patients not suitable for surgery, it is used as primary treatment. With advanced techniques such as IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy), healthy tissues are protected at the maximum level.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is generally applied in sinus cancers either concurrently with radiotherapy (concomitant) or before surgery to shrink the tumor (neoadjuvant). It is also preferred as systemic therapy in recurrent or metastatic tumors. The regimen applied is determined according to the histological structure and stage of the tumor.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Thanks to advances in the field of molecular biology, immunotherapy and targeted therapies are used in some sinus cancers. Agents such as PD-1 inhibitors activate the immune system, creating a powerful response against cancer cells. Special drugs targeting genetic mutations are also applied in selected cases.
Post-Treatment Follow-up and Rehabilitation
Regular follow-up after sinus cancer treatment is very important. Since the risk of recurrence is high within the first 2 years, endoscopic examination, imaging, and biopsy if necessary are performed every 3-6 months. In addition, if there are aesthetic and functional losses after surgery, supportive approaches such as reconstructive surgery, prosthetic applications, or speech therapy are applied.
Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen aims to support both the psychological and physical well-being of his patients by comprehensively following them not only during the treatment process but also afterwards.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
The biggest problem in sinus cancer is that the disease shows late symptoms and the diagnosis is often made in advanced stages. However, when diagnosed early, the treatment success rate can reach up to 80%. Therefore, especially if the symptoms listed above continue for a long time, an ENT specialist should be consulted without delay.
Sinus cancer treatment is a complex but manageable process that requires a multidisciplinary approach. The holistic planning of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments directly affects the patient’s life expectancy and quality. Early diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and a process conducted with the right specialist are the strongest weapons in the fight against this challenging disease.
Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, provides his patients with a scientifically and humanely based support in the treatment of sinus cancer, with both technological equipment and individualized care approach. If you are also experiencing complaints in the sinus area that have been ongoing for a long time, you can take advantage of the opportunity for early diagnosis and correct treatment by seeking expert opinion without wasting time.
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