Does tumour removal surgery treat nasal and sinus cancer?

Nasal and sinus cancers arise in small, connected spaces beside the nose, eyes and skull. Surgery may remove the tumour through the nose, through an external approach or with a combination of techniques. The surgeon aims to remove the cancer while protecting breathing, vision, facial movement, smell and appearance where possible.

Some tumours are treated with surgery followed by radiotherapy, while others may need a different sequence or treatment. Planning usually combines an examination with nasal endoscopy, imaging and a biopsy. The final recommendation depends on the tissue type and whether the cancer has reached surrounding bone, the eye socket, nerves or the skull base.

Ask for review by a team experienced in head and neck cancer, including an ear, nose and throat surgeon and oncology specialists. Bring scan and biopsy reports, your medication list and details of changes in vision, smell, nasal blockage or facial sensation.

Before agreeing to treatment, ask how the tumour will be reached, which structures may need removal or reconstruction, and whether radiotherapy or another treatment is planned. Discuss wound care, nasal care, dental review and rehabilitation if these apply to your operation.

Get urgent help for sudden vision loss or double vision, severe swelling around an eye, uncontrolled nose bleeding, rapidly worsening facial weakness or severe headache with confusion. Breathing difficulty or vomiting blood also needs emergency assessment. These symptoms require prompt evaluation rather than waiting for a scheduled cancer appointment.

Where exactly is the tumour, and which sinus or nasal structures are involved? Can it be removed through the nose, or is another approach needed? How might treatment affect vision, smell, breathing, facial sensation or appearance? Will reconstruction, radiotherapy or additional treatment be needed? What nasal bleeding, eye symptoms or neurological changes should trigger urgent help after surgery?