What to expect from tumour removal surgery for nasal and sinus cancer

The surgeon chooses an endoscopic route, an external incision, or a combination according to the tumour's position and its relationship to nearby structures. The operation may include removal of involved nasal tissue, sinus bone, or surrounding soft tissue. Samples are examined after surgery to assess the edges of the removed area. Reconstruction may be needed when removal leaves a larger opening or affects the shape or function of the nose, eye socket, or palate.

Afterward, the nose can feel blocked because of swelling, dressings, or internal splints. Crusting, altered smell, facial pressure, and tiredness can occur during healing. Your team may arrange nasal care and examinations to keep the surgical area clean and check how it is recovering.

Before the procedure, share your medicines, allergies, dental concerns, and any breathing or vision changes. Arrange help at home if you will feel groggy or need assistance with meals. Follow instructions about fasting and medicines exactly.

At home, use only the rinses, sprays, pain relief, and wound care recommended by your team. Avoid forceful nose blowing, heavy lifting, and smoking while advised. Keep scheduled nasal examinations: they allow the team to remove crusts or splints and respond to healing problems early. Ask when work, exercise, flying, and dental treatment can safely resume.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding that does not settle with the instructions you were given, sudden vision change, new weakness, severe breathing difficulty, or confusion. Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening facial swelling, foul-smelling drainage, increasing pain, or clear fluid continuously running from the nose. These symptoms need assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Ask which route is planned, whether reconstruction is expected, how the operation may affect smell, breathing, vision, or appearance, and when the pathology result will be discussed. Clarify the nasal-care schedule, warning signs, expected restrictions, and whether further treatment is planned after healing.