Nasal and Paranasal Tumors

Diagnosis

Symptoms of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors include nasal obstruction, bleeding, pain and tearing, usually on one side of the nasal area. If Mayo Clinic physicians suspect that a tumor exists, they perform a complete physical exam, paying careful attention to the nasal and sinus areas of the head. Probing questions may be focused on a patent's symptoms and risk factors. An examination using a fiber-optic instrument and a series of blood and imaging tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET) scan can help pinpoint the problem. If physicians identify abnormal masses or cells, they remove and analyze a specimen (biopsy) to determine the type and stage of cancer. Patients consider the overall health of the patient when determining the appropriate treatment for tumors.