Tumours of the Nose and Sinuses

The symptoms you experience with a sinonasal tumour can vary depending on the type of tumour and its location. 

Symptoms can include: 

• a persistent, one-sided blocked nose

• nosebleeds

• nasal discharge or crusting 

• a decreased sense of smell

• a lump

• facial pain or numbness

• vision problems such as double vision 

• swollen glands in the neck

Tumours are caused by an abnormal growth of cells or tissues. It’s not always clear what triggers this growth, but there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing a sinonasal tumour. 

Risk factors for sinonasal tumours include: 

• smoking 

• exposure to dust from wood, leather or textiles 

• exposure to certain chemicals such as formaldehyde, chromium, and nickel

• infection from certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV)

At your initial consultation, your ENT specialist will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history and will examine your nose. They’ll recommend the most appropriate diagnostic tests to complete your diagnosis. 

Diagnostics may include: 

• nasal endoscopy – a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light is inserted through your nostril to examine your nasal passages and sinuses

• a biopsy – where a small tissue sample is removed for further testing 

• CT,  MRI or PET scans 

The results of any further testing will be fully explained to you in a follow-up appointment, along with the possible treatment options.

Tumours cannot always be prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a sinonasal tumour.

Reduce your risk of developing a tumour of the nose by:

• avoiding smoking 

• wearing a well-fitted, protective mask if you work with dust from wood, leather, or textiles 

• limiting exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde, chromium, and nickel

Most sinonasal tumours are benign and do not cause many complications. 

Complications of tumours of the nose include: 

• vision problems

• problems with speech, swallowing and breathing 

• numbness in the face 

• dental problems

If the tumour is malignant, there’s a risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

The treatment options for any sinonasal tumour will depend on its location, size, and whether it’s cancerous or not. Following your diagnosis, your consultant will explain the best treatment options available for you. 

Most sinonasal tumours can be removed using surgery. Often this can be done in a minimally invasive procedure through the nose, using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light attached).

If the tumour is cancerous, your consultant will discuss the next steps with you, including any further treatment needed, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.