What should you know about sinonasal chondrosarcoma?

The sinonasal region includes the nasal passages and the air-filled spaces around them. A chondrosarcoma develops from cells that produce cartilage-like tissue. Symptoms can result from pressure or blockage and may include one-sided nasal obstruction, nosebleeds, facial pressure, reduced smell, double vision or a change in vision. These symptoms also occur with non-cancerous conditions, so they do not identify the tumour by themselves.

Assessment commonly combines examination, scans and a tissue sample. The location matters because the tumour may be close to the eyes, skull base, nerves and other delicate structures. A specialist team uses these details to plan safe access and preserve function where possible.

Ask for referral to a team experienced with tumours of the head and neck or skull base. Discuss the pathology grade, exact site, nearby structures and whether the aim is removal, control or symptom relief. [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) may be considered when complete or useful removal is feasible. [Proton Therapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/proton-therapy/) may be discussed as a radiation option in selected situations. Ask how treatment could affect breathing, smell, vision, appearance and recovery.

Seek urgent care for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or swelling, new weakness, confusion, a seizure, heavy nosebleeding that will not stop, or difficulty breathing. Contact the specialist team promptly for worsening one-sided blockage, repeated nosebleeds, escalating facial pain, new double vision or clear fluid draining from the nose after a procedure.

Where exactly is the tumour, and what does the pathology show? Which structures are nearby? What are the benefits and limitations of surgery or radiation in my case? Could treatment affect vision, smell, speech or appearance? How will recurrence or ongoing symptoms be monitored?