Nasal tumors, or neoplasms, are abnormal growths that can occur in the nose and nasal cavity. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While non-cancerous tumors tend to grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body, cancerous nasal tumors can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. It is important to know what types of nasal tumors exist so you can recognize any potential symptoms and seek medical help if necessary.
Types of Nasal Tumors
The most common type of nasal tumor is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for about 90% of all nasal cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas start in the cells that line the inside walls of the nose, and they often spread to other parts of the head and neck. Other types of nasal tumors include adenocarcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and melanomas. Adenocarcinomas are slow-growing tumors that form in glandular tissue found in the nose and sinuses. Sarcomas are aggressive cancers that start in connective tissue such as cartilage or muscle. Lymphomas are a type of cancer that starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell found in the immune system. Melanomas are rare but dangerous skin cancers that start in pigment cells known as melanocytes.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
The signs and symptoms of nasal tumors can vary depending on where they are located within the nose and how far they have advanced. Common symptoms include congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, persistent runny nose, sinus infections that don’t respond to antibiotics, loss of smell or taste sensation, bleeding from one side of your nose (particularly after blowing your nose), swelling around one eye or on one side of your face, difficulty breathing through your nose due to blockage caused by tumor growths inside your nostrils or sinuses. If you experience any symptoms like these it is important to see a doctor right away so they can make an accurate diagnosis. Doctors typically diagnose nasal tumors using CT scans and endoscopic biopsies which allow them to determine the size and location of the tumor as well as its type.
Nasal tumors can be benign or cancerous depending on their type and origin. It is important for people with these types of tumors to understand what types exist so they can recognize any potential symptoms early on and seek medical help if necessary. If caught early enough many types of nasal tumors can be treated successfully without causing too much damage to surrounding tissue or organs – however, it is always best practice to catch them as soon as possible!
If you believe you may have a nasal tumor it is important to contact your doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored specifically for you!
