What is the first treatment tried for nasal and sinus cancer?

Nasal and sinus cancers occur in spaces close to the eyes, brain, nerves, teeth, and important facial structures. Before treatment, specialists use examination and imaging to map the tumour and judge whether it can be removed safely. Tumour removal surgery may be considered when an operation can remove the cancer while preserving as much function as possible.

Radiotherapy may be used instead of surgery or before or after an operation, depending on the tumour's position, size, tissue type, and nearby structures. An ear, nose and throat surgeon, radiation oncologist, radiologist, and other specialists may plan care together.

Bring details of blocked breathing, nosebleeds, facial pain, reduced smell, vision changes, dental symptoms, and previous treatments. Ask how imaging and biopsy findings affect the sequence, what function the plan aims to preserve, and whether surgery, radiotherapy, or both are advised. Read more about Radiotherapy and Tumour Removal Surgery.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden vision loss, new double vision, severe swelling around an eye, uncontrolled nosebleeding, facial weakness, confusion, or severe breathing difficulty. Contact the clinical team promptly for worsening pain, repeated bleeding, or a new change in vision.

Where exactly is the tumour, and which nearby structures affect the plan? Is surgery, radiotherapy, or both recommended first? What changes in breathing, smell, vision, speech, or appearance should I prepare for? How will treatment response be checked?