What is Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Cancer Screening?

Nasal & Paranasal Sinus Cancer is an uncommon type of head & neck cancer that develops in either the nasal cavity (aka paranasal sinuses), which are air-filled spaces around the nose. The signs associated with such cancers resemble those of other nasal disorders like sinusitis, allergy, or nasal polyps. Thus, such cancers might go unnoticed for some time. Chronic nasal obstruction, recurrent nosebleeds, facial swelling, loss of sense of smell, or sudden facial pain require medical attention.

The process of Nasal & Paranasal Sinus Cancer Screening includes the identification of any abnormality in the nasal cavity and adjacent areas in the early stages. Screening alone does not confirm the diagnosis of cancer, but it helps the specialists to identify any abnormalities which may require further investigations.

Diagnosis procedure of Nasal & Paranasal Sinus Cancer at Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow is as follows:

Method 1: Expert-based method: A multidisciplinary team of ENT Surgeons, Head & Neck Surgical Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists, and Radiologists & Pathologists with a state-of-the-art endoscopy facility.

What is the main purpose of Screening for Sinus and Nasal Tumors?

Screening is a clinical examination performed to look for abnormal growths in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses that may warrant further evaluation.

Purpose of Screening

• Malignant-looking growths in the nose.
• Mucosal abnormalities.
• Nasal lesions.
• Tumors.
• Cancers that require a specialist's opinion.

Screening will help doctors know when an individual needs further investigations such as radiological and laboratory investigations and biopsies.

We must appreciate the difference between screening and diagnosis. Screening will only detect suspicious cases, not cancers.

Why Screening for Nasal & Paranasal Sinus Cancers is Vital?

Although nasal and paranasal sinus cancer is rare, late diagnosis could mean that the cancer has spread to adjacent organs, including the orbit, facial bones, and base of the skull. Because the early symptoms of these cancers are similar to common sinus conditions, screening helps ensure these symptoms are referred to specialists for diagnosis.

Benefits of Screening Include:

• Early identification of any abnormal changes in nasal areas.
• Detection of any lesions that need further evaluation.
• Timely referral to specialists.
• Avoidance of delays caused by misinterpreting symptoms as normal sinus disease.
• Timely referral for diagnostic workup.
• Increased knowledge of disease through expert evaluation.

Who should get screened for Nasal and Sinus Cancer?

Screening is needed when there is any sign or symptom related to nasal or sinus cancer.

If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, you should be screened for sinus cancer:

• A blocked nose, especially on one side.
• Unexplained bleeding from the nose.
• Swelling of the face.
• Pain or pressure in the face.
• Loss or change in the ability to smell.
• Bloodstained discharge from the nose.
• Any abnormal mass inside the nose.
• Problems persisting in the nasal and sinus despite having treatment.
• Loose teeth in the upper jaw without any dental reasons.
• Vision changes.
• Swelling around the eyes and face.
• Numbness of the face.
• Headaches along with nasal symptoms.

Workers exposed to certain dust, chemicals, and industrial agents may also undergo screening.

Which Specialists perform Sinus Cancer Screening at Tender Palm Hospital?

The screening process involves a team of specialists who are skilled in diagnosing problems in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and head & neck region.

The team includes:

• ENT specialists: ENT specialists perform a detailed exam of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and the surrounding area.
• Head & Neck Surgical oncologists: They evaluate suspicious symptoms to determine if further investigations are required for cancer diagnosis.
• Surgical oncologists: They help in multidisciplinary investigations and diagnosis of the problem.
• Radiologists: They interpret images in case further investigations are required.
• Pathologists: Pathologists help evaluate tissue biopsies, if performed.

This coordinated procedure ensures that the patient undergoes detailed screening from the beginning.

What happens during a Sinus Cancer Screening visit?

It includes a consultation and clinical examination, and an endoscopy if necessary.

What medical information is reviewed during a Sinus Consultation?

During the consultation, the specialist may ask the following questions:

• Time period of the nasal symptoms.
• How often the nose bleeds.
• History of sinus infections.
• Facial pain or pressure.
• Nasal discharge.
• Anosmia
• Vision-related symptoms
• Nasal surgeries in the past
• Allergy information
• Tobacco abuse
• Occupational exposure
• Cancer experiences
• General medical information

This information will help assess if additional diagnostic tests are needed.

What does a Clinical Physical exam for Sinus Screening include?

The clinical examination includes assessment of:

• External nose
• Nasal cavities
• Face
• Mouth
• Eyes
• Lymphatic nodes in the neck

The specialist looks for:

• Nasal swelling
• Visible tumors
• Facial asymmetry
• Eye movements
• Facial sensation
• Enlarged lymph nodes

How is Nasal Endoscopy used during Cancer Screening?

Yes, it is one of the most important diagnostic tests in evaluating the nasal cavities and inaccessible areas.

Nasal Endoscopy (Diagnostic Test)

In this procedure, a narrow endoscope with light and a camera is used in the nasal cavity.

The specialist examines:

• Nasal septum
• Turbinates
• Nasal cavities
• Nasopharynx

Sinus exam:

• The nasal septum
• The nasal turbinates
• The nasal cavities
• The nasopharynx
• Sinus openings
• Any suspicious areas

The test may reveal:

• Nasal masses
• Tissue overgrowth
• Ulcers
• Areas of bleeding
• Polyps that require further examination
• Areas of dubious nature

This test will help in the detection of:

• Nasal masses
• Tissue overgrowth
• Ulcers
• Areas of bleeding
• Polyps that require further examination
• Irregular mucosa

PET-CT

In selected cases of spread of disease or complicated cases.

What Diagnostic steps follow an abnormal sinus screening result?

Finding any abnormality during screening does not mean the detected abnormality is cancer.

Based on the detected abnormalities, the specialists will recommend:

• ENT screening in detail.
• Nasal endoscopy again.
• Imaging tests.
• Biopsy.
• Histopathology examination.
• FNAC of any abnormal lymph node.

All of these tests will help the specialist make the correct diagnosis.

How long does a Nasal and Sinus Cancer Screening take?

The timing will depend on the patient's symptoms and screening results.

Normally, the consultation visit with physical examination will take about 20 to 30 minutes. If nasal endoscopy is carried out, more time will be necessary.

Are there Any Preparation Requirements before Screening?

No special preparations are usually needed.

The patient needs to have:

• Medical history records.
• Imaging history records.
• List of medicines.
• Records of sinus or nasal problems in the past.

These data will help carry out a more detailed examination of the patient.

What Screening facilities are available at Tender Palm Hospital?

The facilities include:

• Clinical consultation with ENT specialists;
• Evaluation of head & neck surgical oncology;
• Extensive examination of nose and sinuses;
• Diagnosis by nasal endoscopy;
• Assessment of nasal masses and sinus diseases;
• Imaging support with Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET-CT if required;
• Pathology support for diagnostic evaluation;
• Multidisciplinary specialists coordination.

The infrastructure of the hospital gives patients the possibility to be screened and examined using advanced diagnostic equipment if necessary.

Why choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Cancer Screening in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Nasal & Paranasal Sinus Cancer Screening services in Lucknow, India at an affordable cost. We use high-quality nasal endoscopy and imaging equipment to closely examine the nasal cavity and sinuses for accurate and early detection of abnormalities. Our expert ENT and oncology team, known for providing the best diagnostic care, ensures a safe procedure, quick reporting, and reliable results to guide timely and effective treatment.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Cancer Screening in Lucknow, India:

 

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back