What should you know about nasal chondrosarcoma?

Chondrosarcoma develops from cells that produce cartilage. In the nasal region, a tumour may affect the nasal cavity, nearby sinuses or structures around the face. Its position can influence breathing, smell, vision, facial sensation and the choice of treatment. Symptoms may include persistent blockage on one side, nosebleeds, facial pressure, swelling or changes in vision, but these symptoms also have many non-cancer causes.

Assessment commonly combines an examination of the nose and face with imaging and, when appropriate, a tissue sample. A pathology team studies the sample to identify the tumour type and its features. Imaging helps the team understand its boundaries and relationship to nearby structures.

Arrange review with a specialist team experienced in tumours of the head and neck. Take any scan reports, medicines list and details of previous nasal symptoms to the appointment. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumour, radiotherapy, or a combination chosen according to location, size, grade and whether the tumour can be removed safely.

Ask how the proposed plan protects breathing, vision and facial function, and whether reconstruction or rehabilitation may be needed. [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) and [Proton Therapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/proton-therapy/) explain two treatment approaches that may be discussed.

Contact a clinician promptly for repeated nosebleeds, a blocked nostril that does not settle, a growing facial or nasal swelling, new double vision, reduced vision, severe facial pain or numbness. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that does not stop, sudden loss of vision, or difficulty breathing.

Which part of the nasal region is involved, and what does the pathology report show? What scans are needed before treatment? Is surgery recommended, and what function could it affect? Would radiotherapy be useful before or after surgery? How will follow-up check for recurrence and manage nasal symptoms?