11 Apr Tumours in the nose: what types are there?
A blocked nose, persistent nosebleeds or a change in breathing - these symptoms are usually due to a relatively harmless cause. However, sometimes benign or malignant tumours can also be the cause. In these cases, early diagnosis is crucial for the further course of the disease. In the following, we will provide you with basic information on different types of tumours in the nose, their development and treatment options. We will also show you how important ENT cancer screening is.
Tumour in the nose: What does it mean?
In this case, a tissue change has formed in one of the various nasal structures. This tumour can be either benign (benign) or malignant (malignant). Not every tumour is therefore automatically Cancer - Nevertheless, any unclear growth should always be clarified medically.
Typical symptoms of tumours in the nose
Tissue changes in the nose often cause unspecific symptoms at first, which can be attributed to more harmless illnesses such as a cold or an infection. Chronic sinusitis can resemble.
Depending on the location, size and type of tumour, various symptoms can occur:
- Unilateral nasal obstruction
You should have it checked out by a doctor if the constipation is only on one side and persists for a long time. - Recurrent or persistent nosebleeds
Another symptom that may indicate a tumour: Nosebleed. In this case, it often occurs spontaneously - i.e. without any recognisable cause - and usually only on one side. - Secretion drainage with admixture of blood
The escaping Nasal secretion looks unusual and/or smells unpleasant. - Feeling of pressure or pain in the face
The symptoms occur particularly in the area of the cheeks, forehead or behind the eyes. - Headache
Headaches are particularly common with tumours that press on surrounding structures. - Diminished sense of smell
If the tumour affects the olfactory centre or the olfactory nerves, the ability to perceive scents often changes. - Swelling of the face or nose
Visible or palpable changes are further indications that you should have an examination. - Visual disturbances or double vision
They are possible if they spread towards the eye socket. - Numbness or tingling in the face
Sensory disturbances are an indication of nerve involvement. - Lymph node swelling in the neck area
In the case of malignant tumours, they are an indication of possible metastases.
The symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type and extent of the tumour. As many of these symptoms can also occur with benign tumours, a precise clarification should be carried out in our ENT clinic in Frankfurt take place.
Tumours in the nose: Benign tumours
Inverse papilloma (Schneider's papilloma)
The inverted papilloma is one of the most common benign tumours in the nasal cavity. It arises from the mucous membrane of the inside of the nose and is characterised by a distinctive growth pattern: Unlike many other mucosal lesions, it does not grow outwards, but penetrates into the surrounding tissue.
Although it is a benign neoplasm, the inverted papilloma can be locally destructive and affect the surrounding structures. Due to its potential risk of recurrence and the possibility of malignant degeneration, complete surgical removal is necessary.
Osteoma
This is a benign tumour that consists of bone tissue and often occurs in the frontal sinus. In many cases, it goes unnoticed for a long time as it does not cause any symptoms and is often only discovered by chance during an X-ray or CT scan.
As long as there are no symptoms such as headaches, a feeling of pressure or a limited Nasal breathing If osteomas do not occur, no treatment is usually necessary. Only if the osteoma causes problems due to its location or size may surgical removal be advisable.
Angiofibroma (especially juvenile nasal angiofibroma)
Juvenile nasal angiofibroma is a rare, benign tumour with a very strong blood supply that occurs almost exclusively in male adolescents. Due to its location in the nasopharynx, it can lead to recurrent, sometimes severe nosebleeds and unilateral nasal congestion.
Due to its pronounced vascularisation, there is an increased risk of bleeding during surgery, which is why surgical removal must be planned and carried out with particular care.
Fibroma, haemangioma or neurofibroma
They are among the rarer benign tumours in the nasal region and differ depending on the origin of the tissue: while fibromas develop from connective tissue, haemangiomas develop from blood vessels and neurofibromas from nerve tissue.
Despite their different origins, they are generally slow-growing and initially cause hardly any symptoms. However, depending on their size and location, symptoms such as nasal congestion, a feeling of pressure or bleeding can occur. In such cases, targeted surgical removal may be advisable.
Tumours in the nose: Malignant tumours
Squamous cell carcinoma
This is the most common malignant tumour in the nasal cavity. Squamous cell carcinoma develops from the cells of the mucous membrane and tends to grow into the surrounding tissue.
Due to its often inconspicuous initial stage, it sometimes remains undetected for a long time. However, as it grows, the carcinoma can impair normal nasal function and involve neighbouring structures such as the paranasal sinuses, bones or even the eye area.
Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to limit the spread of the disease and improve the chances of recovery.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity is a malignant tumour that develops from glandular tissue and is particularly associated with certain occupational risk factors. In particular, people who are regularly exposed to fine hardwood dust over many years - for example in furniture or parquet production - have an increased risk of developing the disease.
The tumour develops gradually and often goes unnoticed for a long time. It is therefore particularly important for at-risk occupational groups to regularly check the ENT cancer screening and also pay attention to persistent or unusual discomfort in the nasal area.
Malignant melanoma
Malignant melanoma is one of the rarest but most aggressive tumours in the nasal cavity. It develops from pigment-forming cells in the nasal mucosa and can grow and spread rapidly even in the early stages.
Due to its inconspicuous location, it is often recognised late, which makes treatment more difficult. Early diagnosis is therefore crucial to prevent the spread and improve the prognosis.
Olfactory neuroblastoma
It is also known as esthesioneuroblastoma. This is a rare tumour that arises from the olfactory cells in the upper part of the nose. It has the potential to grow aggressively locally as well as to spread to surrounding structures or more distant regions.
Due to its proximity to important anatomical areas such as the eyes and the brain, this tumour requires particularly careful diagnosis and individually tailored treatment.
Lymphomas
These are malignant diseases of the lymphatic system that are primarily associated with the blood and immune system. In rare cases, however, they can also manifest themselves in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx. There, lymphomas often occur in the context of an existing systemic disease.
Depending on the severity, symptoms such as nasal obstruction, swelling or nosebleeds may occur. As lymphomas are usually part of an overarching disease development, a comprehensive internal and oncological assessment is crucial for the right treatment.
Tumours in the nose: where can they form?
Tumours can develop in the following places in the nose:
Nasal cavity (cavitas nasi)
- Lateral nasal wall
It is a common site for benign tumours such as inverted papillomas. - Nasal septum (nasal septum)
Melanomas or squamous cell carcinomas, for example, can develop here. - Nasal vestibule
This transitional area between the outer nose and the nasal cavity is also susceptible to tumours.
Paranasal sinuses (sinus paranasales)
- Maxillary sinus (maxillary sinus)
One of the most common sinuses for the development of tumours, especially squamous cell or adenocarcinomas. - Frontal sinus (frontal sinus)
A tumour is less common at this location. However, the frontal sinus can be affected by osteomas, for example. - Ethmoid bone (ethmoid sinus)
Olfactory neuroblastomas often develop near the olfactory cells in the area of the upper ethmoid bone. - Sphenoid sinus (sinus sphenoidalis)
This is the deep sinus cavity. Tumours in this area are often symptomatic at a late stage.
Nasopharynx (nasopharynx)
- Lymphomas or juvenile nasal angiofibroma can typically develop at this transitional area to the pharyngeal wall.
Tumours in the nose can be localised or grow into surrounding structures such as the eye socket, the base of the skull or the oral cavity.
ENT cancer screening in Frankfurt: Prevention is important in order to detect possible tumours in the nose and treat them in good time
Early detection of tumours in the nose plays a decisive role in successful treatment and healing. Many of these tissue growths initially cause unspecific symptoms or remain undetected for a long time, which can delay diagnosis. Regular ENT cancer screening examinations in our practice clinic in Frankfurt make it possible to identify such changes at an early stage and initiate appropriate therapeutic measures.
In this context, we carry out comprehensive examinations in order to recognise possible tissue changes at an early stage. For example, special Endoscopes which enable a detailed examination of the nasal cavity and neighbouring structures. In addition, we always carry out ultrasound diagnostics of the soft tissues of the neck, for example, to detect changes in the lymph nodes. If necessary, we initiate further diagnostic steps.
An additional focus of the screening examination is counselling on individual risk factors and preventive measures. This allows us to provide you with targeted information on lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of ENT tumours.
Simply contact us to arrange your appointment!
Do you have any questions on this topic or would you like to arrange a consultation?
ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke
Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.
Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!
© "Woman feeling unwell, painful headache because of sinus ache, sinusitis, sinus pressure. Sad woman holding her nose and head because sinus pain. Coronavirus symptoms" by Creative Cat Studio, stock.adobe.com
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