Page Summary
- Tumors of the nose, sinuses and skull base include many different benign and malignant conditions.
- Persistent one-sided nasal symptoms, recurrent bleeding, or eye, facial or neurological symptoms require assessment.
- Evaluation can include nasal endoscopy, imaging and, when needed, a biopsy to determine the diagnosis.
- Treatment depends on the type, location and extent of the tumor.
Tumors in the nose, sinuses and skull base are uncommon. They may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Careful evaluation is important because this area is close to the eyes and brain.
Most nasal symptoms are not caused by a tumor. Persistent, worsening or mainly one-sided symptoms should still be checked.
Symptoms that may need evaluation
- Blockage mainly on one side.
- Repeated or unexplained nosebleeds.
- Blood-stained nasal drainage.
- Reduced sense of smell.
- Facial swelling, pain or numbness.
- Double vision or a change in vision.
How is it diagnosed?
Evaluation may include nasal endoscopy. Imaging usually includes an MRI scan, and a CT scan may also be needed depending on the lesion and what needs to be answered. A biopsy is often needed to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, imaging is reviewed before biopsy to make sure it can be done safely.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the type of tumor, where it is located and how far it extends. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, medication-based cancer treatment, or a combination.
Some tumors can be removed endoscopically through the nostrils without a facial incision. Some tumors require an external surgical approach, or a combination of endoscopic and external surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve specialists from several disciplines.
When should you seek urgent assessment?
Seek prompt assessment for rapidly worsening symptoms, new vision changes, increasing eye swelling, significant facial numbness or new neurologic symptoms.
What should you bring to your appointment?
If available, bring previous CT or MRI images, biopsy or pathology reports, and records of any previous surgery or treatment.
Specialist care
Depending on the diagnosis, care may involve rhinology and skull base surgery, neurosurgery, oncology and other specialists.