Nasal and Paranasal Tumors

Diagnosis

If a nasal or paranasal tumor is suspected, you will receive a complete physical exam. Your doctor will pay careful attention to the nasal and sinus areas and ask you about symptoms and risk factors. Next, your doctor may request imaging tests to help determine if the cancer has spread.

Imaging tests

Mayo Clinic has an international reputation for top-quality imaging and rapid test results. In tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of radiation overexposure.

Imaging to help diagnose nasal or paranasal tumors may include:

• X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Biopsy

If doctors identify abnormal masses or cells, they remove and analyze a specimen (biopsy) to determine whether it is cancer, and if so, the type and stage of cancer. Experienced pathologists examine the tissue in highly equipped laboratories.

Read more about the CT scan, MRI and PET scan.