Thursday, March 28, 2024

Breast Cancer And Sinus Problems

Treatment Of Stage Iv Paranasal Sinus And Nasal Cavity Cancer

Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer (Squamous Carcinoma Tumor)

For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.

  • External radiation therapy and/or internal radiation therapy with or without surgery.
  • A clinical trial of chemotherapy before surgery or radiation therapy.
  • A clinical trial of chemotherapy after surgery or other cancer treatment.
  • A clinical trial of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.

Treatment Of Stage Iii Paranasal Sinus And Nasal Cavity Cancer

For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.

Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.

Where Does A Sinus Tumor Develop

The majority of sinus tumors develop in the maxillary sinus cavity. This is the sinus area below your cheeks and above your teeth.

Tumors can also develop in your nasal cavity. They can also develop in the sphenoid sinuses that are in the hollow spaces in the bones behind your nose, as well as in the ethmoid sinuses on either side of your nose between the eyes. Only rarely do tumors form behind your ethmoid sinuses or in your frontal sinuses located in the forehead.

Read Also: What Is A Sinus Doctor Called

Throat Irritation And Cough

As discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent and annoying cough, which can be worse when lying down to sleep or first thing in the morning after getting up from bed.

It can also make sleeping difficult. Sleeping upright or with your head elevated can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your coughing.

The Johns Hopkins Center For Hpv

Pituitary fossa / sphenoid sinus metastasis

Johns Hopkins physicians have been at the forefront of identifying several types of sinus and nasal tumors due to HPV. Our center offers:

  • State of the art HPV testing used it to diagnose a spectrum of sinus and nasal cancers
  • If you receive a diagnosis of nasal or sinus cancer known to commonly be associated with HPV your provider will test the tumor for HPV. A specialized treatment team including fellowship trained skull base surgeons specializing in these tumors, pathologist, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist will recommend a tailored treatment plan including surgery, radiation or proton therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

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Diagnosing Nasal And Sinus Cancer

Tests you may have to help diagnose nasal and sinus cancer include:

  • a nasal endoscopy where a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end is inserted into your nose to examine the area this can be uncomfortable, so before the procedure you’ll be asked whether you’d like anaesthetic sprayed on the back of your throat
  • a biopsy where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined this may be done during an endoscopy
  • a fine needle aspiration where fluid and cells are taken from a lymph node using a needle to see if the cancer has spread

If you’re diagnosed with nasal and sinus cancer, you may have a CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan or ultrasound scan to help stage and grade the cancer.

Second Cancers After Treatment

People whove had nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer can still get other cancers. In fact, nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer survivors are at higher risk for getting some other types of cancer.

Cancer survivors can be affected by a number of health problems, but often a major concern is facing cancer again. Cancer that comes back after treatment is called a recurrence. But some cancer survivors may develop a new, unrelated cancer later. This is called a second cancer.

Survivors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer can get any second cancer, but they have a higher risk of:

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Certain Factors Affect Prognosis And Treatment Options

The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:

  • Where the tumor is in the paranasal sinus or nasal cavity and whether it has spread.
  • The size of the tumor.
  • The type of cancer.
  • The patient’s age and general health.
  • Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred .

Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancers often have spread by the time they are diagnosed and are hard to cure. After treatment, a lifetime of frequent and careful follow-up is important because there is an increased risk of developing a second kind of cancer in the head or neck.

Can I Lower My Risk Of The Nasal Cavity Or Paranasal Sinus Cancer Progressing Or Coming Back

After losing her nose to cancer, Becky shares her story to help others

If you have nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer, you probably want to know if there are things you can do that might lower your risk of the cancer growing or coming back, such as exercising, eating a certain type of diet, or taking nutritional supplements.

Quit smoking: Smoking during cancer treatment can reduce the benefit of treatment and increase the risk of cancer coming back . Smoking after treatment can also increase the risk of getting a new smoking-related cancer . Quitting smoking for good is the best way to improve your chances forsurvival. It is never too late to quit.

Adopting behaviors such as eating healthy food, getting regular physical activity, and staying at a healthy weight might help, but no one knows for sure. However, we do know that these types of lifestyle changes can have positive effects on your health that might help lower your risk of nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer or other cancers.

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Outlook For Nasal And Sinus Cancer

There are many different types of cancer that can affect the nasal cavity and sinuses.

The outlook varies, depending on the specific type of nasal and sinus cancer you have, its exact location, how far it’s spread before being diagnosed and treated, and your overall level of health and fitness.

The Cancer Research UK website has more information about the outlook for nasal and sinus cancer.

Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip

When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.

The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.

This is called postnasal drip, and it may cause you to cough at night when youre lying down to sleep, and in the morning after getting up. It may also cause your voice to sound hoarse.

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Paranasal Sinus And Nasal Cavity Cancer Is A Disease In Which Malignant Cells Form In The Tissues Of The Paranasal Sinuses And Nasal Cavity

Paranasal sinuses

“Paranasal” means near the nose. The para sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces in the bones around the nose. The sinuses are lined with cells that make mucus, which keeps the inside of the nose from drying out during breathing.

There are several para sinuses named after the bones that surround them:

Nasal cavity

The nose opens into the nasal cavity, which is divided into two nasal passages. Air moves through these passages during breathing. The nasal cavity lies above the bone that forms the roof of the mouth and curves down at the back to join the throat. The area just inside the nostrils is called the nasal vestibule. A small area of special cells in the roof of each nasal passage sends signals to the brain to give the sense of smell.

Together the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity filter and warm the air, and make it moist before it goes into the lungs. The movement of air through the sinuses and other parts of the respiratory system help make sounds for talking.

Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.

Other Remedies For Symptom Relief

Pituitary fossa / sphenoid sinus metastasis

Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.

Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.

If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.

Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.

damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.

If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.

Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.

Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.

Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.

You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:

Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.

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Treatment Options For Metastatic Breast Cancer In The Lungs

Doctors consider metastatic breast cancer to be a stage 4 cancer. It is not curable, and treatments focus on weakening the cancer to stop it from growing while working to improve the quality of life for the individual.

Treatments for metastatic breast cancer in the lungs usually involve systemic, or body-wide, medications that treat cancer throughout the body, such as the following:

Chemotherapy.Chemotherapy is a drug therapy that destroys all fast-growing cells in the body, both cancerous and healthy.

Hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy is a cancer treatment that controls cancer cell growth by lowering the levels of certain hormones the cancer needs to grow. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers respond well to this treatment.

Targeted therapy. This form of cancer treatment attempts to treat cancer with more precision than chemotherapy. These treatments target specific receptors, proteins, or molecules on cancer cells that either make it easier for the bodys immune system to identify and destroy cancerous cells or reduce their growth.

Radiation. In the case of metastatic breast cancer, doctors often use radiation therapy to reduce symptoms and control the cancers growth. Radiation therapy can help reduce pain and lower the risk of broken bones weakened due to cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer in the lungs can cause other health complications that impact a persons overall health and wellbeing.

Living As A Nasal Cavity Or Paranasal Sinus Cancer Survivor

For some people with nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer, the end of treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You may be relieved to finish treatment, but its hard not to worry about cancer coming back . This is very common if youve had cancer.

For others , the cancer might never go away completely. Some people may still get regular treatments to try and control the cancer for as long as possible. Learning to live with cancer that does not go away can be difficult and very stressful.

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As A First Step Toward Diagnosis Consult Your Dentist

If you’re experiencing tooth pain of any kind, your first step should be to book an initial consultation with a dentist, Carr says. “He or she will look for possible dental causes for the toothache, such as gum disease, cavities or other infections,” the dental expert adds.

However, if your dentist rules out dental decay, injury, or infections as the root cause, it’s time to call your general practitioner, Carr says. Your doctor “will consider whether a sinus condition or another medical problem is causing pain,” and may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further screening.

Symptoms Of Nasal And Sinus Cancer

Neoplasia Nomenclature – Benign Tumors – Adenoma – Papilloma

The most common symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer are:

  • a blocked nose that does not go away and usually only affects 1 side
  • a decreased sense of smell
  • mucus running from your nose this can be bloody
  • mucus draining into the back of your nose and throat

These symptoms can be similar to more common and less serious conditions, such as a cold or sinusitis.

At a later stage, symptoms can include:

  • pain or numbness in the face, particularly in the upper cheek, that does not go away
  • swollen glands in the neck
  • partial loss of vision or double vision
  • a watering eye that does not go away
  • pain or pressure in 1 ear
  • a persistent lump or growth on your face, nose or roof of your mouth

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If The Cancer Comes Back

If the cancer does recur, your treatment options will depend on the location of the cancer, what treatments youve had before, and your overall health. To learn more, see Treatment of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancers, by Type and Stage.

For more general information, you may also want to see Understanding Recurrence.

Patients Can Enter Clinical Trials Before During Or After Starting Their Cancer Treatment

Some clinical trials only include patients who have not yet received treatment. Other trials test treatments for patients whose cancer has not gotten better. There are also clinical trials that test new ways to stop cancer from recurring or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.

Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country. Information about clinical trials supported by NCI can be found on NCIs clinical trials search webpage. Clinical trials supported by other organizations can be found on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

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Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice

Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.

If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.

Does A Sinus Tumor Mean You Have Cancer

Image

A sinus tumor doesnt always mean cancer.

There are multiple types of noncancerous tumors that form in your sinus. Not all of these tumors can spread to other parts of the body, but some can be destructive to the surrounding structures or can even change into something malignant over time.

Though not all of these tumors grow or spread, some can evolve into malignancies. Even if they remain benign, these tumors do need to be treated because they can cause damage to your nasal passages and sinuses, as well as damage to the eyes and base of the skull.

Other tumors that form in your sinuses are cancerous. Types of cancerous tumors that form in your sinuses include:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the respiratory tract and sinuses.
  • Adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas grow in the lining of sinus cavities.
  • Lymphomas. These types of tumors begin in the immune or lymphatic system.
  • Sarcomas. This type of cancer forms in bones or soft tissues.
  • Salivary gland cancers. This

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Keeping Health Insurance And Copies Of Your Medical Records

Even after treatment, its very important to keep health insurance. Tests and doctor visits cost a lot, and even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back, this could happen.

At some point after your cancer treatment, you might find yourself seeing a new doctor who doesnt know about your medical history. Its important to keep copies of your medical records to give your new doctor the details of your diagnosis and treatment.

Doctor Visits And Tests

If there are no signs of cancer, many doctors will recommend you have a physical exam, endoscopy, and some of the other tests listed below every 3 to 6 months for the first couple of years after treatment, then every 6 to 12 months for the next few years. People who were treated for early-stage cancers may have doctor visits less often.

Imaging: Chest x-rays and other imaging tests might be used to watch for recurrence or a new tumor, especially if you have new symptoms.

Blood tests: If you were treated with radiation, it might have damaged your thyroid gland. You will most likely need regular blood tests to check your thyroid function.

Dental exams: People treated with radiation may also have problems with dry mouth and tooth decay, so regular dental exams are often recommended.

Speech, hearing, and swallowing rehabilitation: Both radiation and surgery can lead to problems with speech, swallowing, and hearing. These are often checked and treated by a speech therapist after treatment . You might also need to see an audiologist for devices, like a hearing aid, to improve your hearing if the treatment changed it.

Nutrition follow-up: Cancers of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and their treatments can sometimes cause problems such as trouble swallowing, dry mouth, or even loss of teeth. This can make it hard to eat, which can lead to weight loss and weakness from poor nutrition.

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