Nasal cancer

What is nasal cancer?

Nasal cancer refers to a malignant tumor that typically develops from the surface cells, known as squamous cells, of the nose. Although this type of cancer is rare, it makes up approximately 12% of all malignant tumors in the head and neck region. Men are generally twice as likely to be affected by this cancer compared to women and the highest incidence occurs between the ages of 40 and 60.

What are the symptoms of nasal cancer?

The symptoms of nasal cancer are not specific and often only become noticeable in the late stages of the disease. Affected individuals may feel an obstruction in their nasal breathing and have unusual nasal discharge or nosebleeds. These complaints are mostly only observed unilaterally. There may also be changes in taste and smell.

In the later stages, pain and swelling or deformities of various facial areas may also occur. If the tumor reaches the area of the eyeball, displacement processes can lead to visual disturbances, such as double vision.

Risk factors and causes

The development of nasal cancer is influenced by various risk factors and behaviors. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. Additionally, the inhalation of certain dusts from leather, metal and wood industries over a prolonged time can lead to the formation of a malignant tumor, i.e. carcinoma.

How is nasal cancer diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made primarily through an endoscopic examination of the nose also known as a rhinoscopy. A biopsy, in other words a sample of the affected tissue, is also taken during this examination. This tissue sample is then examined in the laboratory to determine whether the tumor is malignant and to determine the stage of the cancer. In addition, it may be useful to carry out imaging examinations such as a computer tomography (CT) or MRI scan to look at the whole body and to detect metastases in other organs if the tumor has already spread.

Treatment methods for nasal cancer

There are various approaches to treating nasal cancer. One option is to treat the tumor surgically. Alternatively, the tumor can also be treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Which of these approaches is used or how they are combined depends on the location, size and stage of the tumor.

Nasal cancer surgery

In general, the aim of the operation is to remove the tumor in its entirety. This frequently involves removing the surrounding lymph nodes if they are already affected by tumor cells. In this way, the tumor is prevented from spreading. The operation is especially successful for small tumors and tumors that are not very advanced. If larger parts of tissue must be removed on the face, neck etc. during the operation, the resulting defect is repaired by reconstructive surgery, for example by transplanting a skin flap. Postoperative treatment is usually done with radiation therapy to kill any remaining tumor cells.

Radiation therapy in nasal cancer

If the tumor is too advanced, too large, or located in an unfavorable position for sufficient removal through surgery, radiation therapy is often the first treatment method. Radiation therapy destroys the existing tumor cells and can also shrink the tumor size, potentially enabling for full surgical resection. The specific type of radiation therapy used depends on both the tumor and the patient. Moreover, the required radiation dose is determined by a nuclear medicine specialist, often referred to as a radiation oncologist. This specialist also sets the therapy schedule, which usually lasts somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks with individual sessions occurring up to several times a week.

Chemotherapy can be used if not all tumor cells can be eliminated even after radiotherapy and surgery. However, as chemotherapy does not only target the tumor cells, but also has an impact on the entire body, the side effects of this treatment can be particularly severe.

Chances of recovery and prognosis

If nasal cancer is detected early and has not invaded neighboring structures such as the eye socket etc., the prognosis is good. The prognosis is also good if the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. The prognosis worsens if the cancer has progressed and has invaded surrounding organs.

Which doctors and clinics specialize in nasal cancer?

Anyone in need of a doctor would expect the best possible medical care for themselves. Therefore, patients are looking for the most suitable clinic for their needs. Since this is not an objective decision and a respectable doctor would refrain from claiming to be the best, patients must trust the experience of a doctor.

We can help you find an appropriate expert for your condition. All the doctors and clinics listed have undergone extensive review and have been verified by us for their outstanding expertise in the field of nasal cancer. They are looking forward to and are ready to address your questions and treatment requests.