ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Sinonasal Cancer · Understanding the disease

What is sinonasal cancer?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Sinonasal Cancer Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

Sinonasal cancer is a rare group of tumours arising in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma and esthesioneuroblastoma. There is no strong endemic country, but well-defined occupational clusters occur in industrialised countries — especially wood-dust-associated ethmoid adenocarcinoma. Symptoms mimic chronic sinusitis, so diagnosis is often delayed.

In detail

Sinonasal malignancies account for only a few percent of head and neck cancers, but they are unusually heterogeneous: more than a dozen histological types occur in a small anatomical space. The maxillary sinus is the most frequently involved sinus; the ethmoid sinus is classically associated with wood-dust exposure. Because the sinuses are air-filled cavities, tumours can become large before producing signs.

The single most important diagnostic lesson is that unilateral, persistent nasal symptoms are not 'just sinusitis'. One-sided blockage, bleeding, loss of smell, facial numbness, double vision, a swollen cheek or palate, or a loose upper tooth should prompt nasal endoscopy and contrast imaging. Biopsy should be planned after imaging when a vascular tumour or skull-base lesion is possible.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Understanding the disease” section of the Sinonasal Cancer topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about sinonasal cancer

See all 13 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans (tobacco, areca nut, UV radiation, EBV, HPV) International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO · 2024
  2. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Head and Neck Cancers National Comprehensive Cancer Network · 2025
  3. Head and Neck Cancers (patient information) US National Cancer Institute · 2025
  4. About Head and Neck Cancer American Cancer Society · 2025

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.