How long does tumour removal surgery take to work for nasal and sinus cancer?

The surgeon removes the planned tumour and, where suitable, a surrounding margin. The exact approach depends on its location in the nasal cavity or sinuses and on nearby structures. Packing, crusting, congestion, reduced smell, facial pressure, or tiredness may affect how you feel early on. These symptoms are judged alongside examinations and the pathology report, not as a stand-alone measure of whether treatment has worked.

The pathology report helps the team understand the tumour and whether its edges need further discussion. Some people need additional treatment or surveillance after surgery. Nasal cleaning, endoscopic checks, and specialist review may be part of the recovery plan.

Use nasal rinses, sprays, dressings, and medicines only as instructed. Avoid blowing your nose or strenuous activity until your surgeon says it is appropriate, because pressure can disturb healing. Attend planned examinations so crusting and the surgical site can be managed safely. Report changes in vision, smell, facial sensation, or headaches rather than waiting for the next routine visit.

Call your care team for persistent bleeding, fever, worsening facial swelling, foul drainage, or pain that is not controlled by the prescribed plan. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, new vision changes, confusion, severe headache, or difficulty breathing. Prompt assessment helps identify bleeding, infection, or irritation of nearby structures.

Ask how to clean the nose, when packing or dressings will be reviewed, when pathology will be explained, and whether further treatment or endoscopic monitoring is expected.