Nasal & Sinus Cancer Surgery in New York City

What Is Nasal and Sinus Cancer?

Nasal and sinus cancer refers to rare tumors that develop in the nasal cavity or the paranasal sinuses, which include the maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses. These air-filled spaces surround the nose and play a role in breathing and sinus drainage.
Most growths in this area are benign. When cancer does occur, the most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, often arising in the maxillary sinus.

Types of Nasal and Sinus Cancer

Sinonasal cancers vary widely based on the tissue from which they originate. Common malignant types include:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
• Salivary Gland Tumors
• Mucosal Melanoma
• Esthesioneuroblastoma (Olfactory Neuroblastoma)
• Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma (SNUC)
• Lymphoma and Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Accurate diagnosis is critical, as treatment approach and prognosis depend on tumor type and extent.

Causes and Risk Factors

While nasal and sinus cancers are rare, known risk factors include:

• Tobacco use
• Occupational exposure to wood dust, leather dust, nickel, or chromium
• Environmental and genetic factors

Signs and Symptoms of Nasal and Sinus Cancer

Symptoms are often subtle and may mimic common sinus conditions. Warning signs include:

• Persistent nasal congestion or blockage on one side
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Recurrent sinus infections that do not improve
• Facial pressure or headaches
• Vision changes or double vision
• Loss of smell
• Facial numbness or mouth lesions
• A lump in the neck

Symptoms that persist or worsen should be evaluated by a head and neck cancer specialist.
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How Nasal and Sinus Cancer Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a thorough examination and may include:

• Nasal endoscopy
• Biopsy (in-office or in the operating room)
• Lymph node biopsy if a neck mass is present
• Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or ultrasound

These tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine whether the cancer has spread.

Nasal and Sinus Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment is personalized based on the tumor type, location, and stage, and is planned by a multidisciplinary team of cancer care specialists.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is often central to treatment. Dr. Mourad specializes in both minimally invasive and complex open approaches, including:

• Endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery
• Open surgical approaches for larger or invasive tumors
• Craniofacial resection for advanced tumors involving the skull base
• Reconstructive surgery to restore form and function

Radiation Therapy

Radiation may be used:

• As primary treatment
• After surgery to reduce recurrence risk
• In combination with chemotherapy for advanced disease

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used before, during, or after surgery or radiation in advanced or high-risk cases to improve disease control.

Neck and Orbital Management

Management may include:

• Surgical or radiation treatment of the lymph node spread
• Preventive neck treatment when microscopic disease is suspected
• Specialized surgical planning for tumors involving the eye or skull base

What Happens If Nasal or Sinus Cancer Is Left Untreated?

Without treatment, these cancers can spread to the eyes, brain, and surrounding structures, leading to:

• Vision loss or blindness
• Neurological complications
• Life-threatening infections
• Reduced survival outcomes

Early diagnosis significantly improves prognosis.

Why Choose Dr. Moustafa W. Mourad?

Dr. Mourad is a board-certified Head and Neck Surgeon with advanced fellowship training in sinonasal and skull base cancer surgery.

• Expertise in minimally invasive and open surgical techniques
• Author of over 40 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters
• National and international lecturer in head and neck oncology
• Affiliated with top New York City hospitals
• Known for compassionate, patient-centered care

Dr. Mourad’s approach focuses on complete cancer removal while preserving function and quality of life whenever possible.