Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer
Head and Neck Program
Treatment Option Overview
How cancer of the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity is treated
There are treatments for all patients with cancer of the paranasal sinus and
nasal cavity. Three kinds of treatment are used:
- Surgery (taking out the cancer).
- Radiation therapy (using high-dosex-rays or other high-energy rays to kill
cancer cells).
- Chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells).
Surgery is commonly used to remove cancers of the paranasal sinus or nasal
cavity. Depending on where the cancer is and how far it has spread, a doctor
may need to cut out bone or tissue around the cancer. If cancer has spread to
lymph nodes in the neck, the lymph nodes may be removed (lymph node
dissection).
Radiation therapy is also a common treatment of cancer of the paranasal sinus
and nasal cavity. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer
cells and shrink tumors.Radiation may come from a machine outside the body
(external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation
(radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells
are found (internal radiation therapy). External radiation to the thyroid or
the pituitary gland may change the way the thyroid gland works. The doctor may
wish to test the thyroid gland before and after therapy to make sure it is
working properly.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by
pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in a vein or muscle.
Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the
bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the
body.
Because the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity help in talking and breathing,
and are close to the face, patients may need special help adjusting to the side
effects of the cancer and its treatment. A doctor will consult with several
kinds of doctors who can help determine the best treatment. Trained medical
staff can also help in recovery from treatment. Patients may need plastic
surgery if a large amount of tissue or bone around the paranasal sinuses or
nasal cavity is taken out.
Treatment by stage
Treatment of cancer of the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity depends on where
the cancer is, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and overall
health.
Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients
in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not
all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may
have more side effects than are desired. For these reasons, clinical trials
are designed to find better ways to treat cancer patients and are based on the
most up-to-date information. Clinical trials are ongoing in some parts of the
country for patients with cancer of the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity. To
learn more about clinical trials, call the Cancer Information Service at
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237); TTY at 1-800-332-8615.