Nasal tumor is a term for bumpwhich grows in the nasal cavity and its surroundings. The appearance of a nasal tumor should not be underestimated because it can develop into a more severe condition. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms of nasal tumors and how to treat them.
Nasal tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors generally do not spread to other parts of the body and are not life-threatening. On the other hand, cancerous nasal tumors can spread to other parts of the body.
Nasal tumors are not limited to tumors that grow in the nasal cavity, but also tumors that grow in the sinuses (paranasal sinus tumors) and those that grow in the cavity behind the nose or nasopharynx (sinonasal tumors).
Symptoms of a nose tumor that you need to watch out for
Symptoms of nasal tumors, both benign and malignant, generally have many similarities. Some of the symptoms are:
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Throat mucus (post-nasal drip)
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Headache
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Pain around the face, such as in the forehead, nose, cheeks, and around the eyes and ears
- Swelling on the face
- Impaired vision and hearing
Recognize the Various Types of Nose Tumors
The following are the various types of nasal tumors that occur based on their nature:
Types of benign nasal tumors
Some types of benign nasal tumors that occur around the nasal cavity and sinuses are:
- Nasal polyps, which are abnormal tissue growths in the mucous lining of the nose or sinuses
- inverted papilloma, a benign tumor growth in the lining of the nasal cavity or sinuses which is usually associated with infection human papillomavirus (HPV)
Types of malignant nasal tumors
Types of malignant nasal tumors (nasal cancer) that occur around the nasal cavity and sinuses include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Minor salivary gland cancer
- Adenocarcinoma
- Neuroendocrine cancer
- Esthesioneuroblastoma
In addition, several types of malignant tumors that can also occur in the nose are lymphoma, bone cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma, melanoma, neuroblastoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and metastatic carcinoma, which is cancer that spreads from other organs. However, these cases tend to be rare.
Nose Tumor Risk Factors
The following are some of the factors that can increase a person's risk of developing nasal tumors:
- Frequent exposure to pollution, be it air pollution, pollution from the work environment, such as wood dust, textile dust, or dust from animal skins, as well as exposure to cigarette smoke or tobacco
- Frequent exposure to chemicals, such as nickel compounds, isopropyl alcohol, radium-226, formaldehyde, and chromium
- Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Are undergoing radiation therapy to the facial area, for example for retinoblastoma
How to Diagnose a Nose Tumor and its Treatment
Nasal tumors can be diagnosed through a physical examination, endoscopy, CT scan, and MRI. Treatment for nasal tumors in each person is different, depending on the results of the examination, location, and the type of tumor you have.
The following are some methods that doctors can use to treat nasal tumors:
- Surgical procedures for tumor removal, can be open surgery or using an endoscope
- Radiation therapy uses X-rays or proton therapy to kill cancer cells
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, which can be done in conjunction with radiation therapy
- Palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms experienced by the presence of a tumor
Nasal tumor is a condition that needs to be treated quickly so that the condition does not get worse and cause serious complications. If you experience symptoms that point to a nasal tumor, immediately consult a doctor so that the cause can be ascertained and treated.