Sinus and Nasal Tumors

Sinus and nasal tumors – both benign and cancerous – are rare. Surgeons at Henry Ford Health remove tumors with minimally invasive endoscopic surgery whenever possible. This approach helps to preserve facial appearance and speed healing.

Types of sinus and nasal tumors

There are four types of sinus tumors:

• Osteomas are the most common benign sinus tumors. They grow out of bone.
• Inverted papilloma tumors are sinus tumors that are likely to need surgery. About 5-10 percent of inverted papilloma tumors may contain cancer cells. 
• Hemangiopericytomas form in the blood vessels of the nose. These vascular tumors can be either benign or malignant.
• Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are benign, but aggressive, vascular tumors primarily found in adolescent males.

Sinus and nasal tumor symptoms

Symptoms are similar to a sinus infection. They include:

• Blurred vision (in severe cases)
• Facial numbness or pain
• Loss of smell
• Nasal drainage with a foul smell or taste
• Nasal obstruction with blocked airflow
• Nosebleeds

Sinus and nasal tumor treatment

Our ENT specialists can remove tumors endoscopically through the nose, unless the tumors have grown too large. Large tumors are removed with traditional surgical techniques.

We test all tumors for cancer cells. Cancerous nasal and sinus tumors need specialty care from our head and neck cancer team.