Coping with... SINUS CANCER

Nasal and sinus cancer starts in the space behind your nose (nasal cavity) or in your sinuses

- ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN'S WEEKLY DOCTOR

Your sinuses are small spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead, connecting to the nose, which are involved in breathing and smell, and help protect your airways from infection.

Anyone can get nasal and sinus cancer but you’re more at risk if you: smoke; have had human papillomavirus (HPV) infection; have worked in a job where you might inhale toxins such as dust from wood, leather or textiles, nickel compounds or isopropyl alcohol; or have had radiotherapy (such as for childhood retinoblastoma). Reduce the risk by wearing protective masks at work, quit smoking, use condoms during sex to lower your chance of getting HPV, and get the HPV vaccination.

In its early stages, nasal and sinus cancer usually affects just your nose – symptoms include a persistent, unilateral blocked nose, nosebleeds, reduced smell, and excess or bloody mucus in your nose or down your throat. As the cancer grows it can affect your eyesight, with double vision, watering, bulging eyes or visual loss. Spreading into other parts of your head and neck causes persistent facial pain and numbness, difficulty opening your mouth, loose teeth, ear pain or pressure, swollen neck glands and a lump on your face, nose, or the roof of your mouth.