Can sinusitis turn into cancer?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Sinusitis, commonly referred to as sinus inflammation, mainly involves the mucosal membrane of the sinus cavity or the sinus itself. In the clinical course of the disease, we have not observed sinusitis or secondary sinusitis directly transforming into a malignant tumor, nor have we seen or observed the carcinogenic process. Clinically or pathologically, there is no evidence of this. However, we have observed malignant tumors of the sinuses, such as maxillary sinus cancer or ethmoid sinus cancer. It is found that 80% to 85% of these patients have sinus inflammation. Therefore, we speculate that sinusitis may be evolving into sinus cancer, or inflammation may play a role in the process of sinus cancer. In summary, there is no direct evidence that secondary sinusitis leads to cancer, but in diagnosing sinus cancer, the presence of sinus inflammation has been observed.

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Written by Li Rui
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What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

The symptoms of sinusitis vary significantly between individuals. In cases of mild inflammation, there may be no symptoms, and the condition might only be discovered during a physical examination or through a head or sinus CT scan. However, in some patients with more severe inflammatory reactions, clinical symptoms can occur. Common clinical symptoms include nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headache, dizziness, as well as potential facial pain, numbness, and vertigo. Some individuals may also experience changes in vision or field of vision. Generally, sinusitis is a common disease. Usually, it can be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and examination of the nasal cavity. Some patients may need to undergo a CT scan, and in severe cases, surgery might be considered necessary.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What is the method for examining sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation that occurs in the mucous membrane or cavity of the sinuses. Clinically, the examination of sinusitis includes two aspects: one is the clinical examination, such as anterior rhinoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity, nasal endoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity, the opening of the sinuses, and the nasal passages; on the other hand, some imaging examinations can also be used, such as sinus CT examination, which is very important, and if necessary, sinus MRI can also be performed; there are also some other examination methods, such as nasal resistance examination, examination of sinus and nasal secretions, etc. Therefore, there are quite a few examination methods, among all the examination methods, the most important are the nasal endoscopy and sinus CT examination.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is sinusitis contagious?

Sinusitis is not a contagious disease and does not have definite transmissibility, as sinusitis is mainly due to acute or chronic bacterial infections. A small portion of patients suffer from fungal sinusitis caused by fungal infections. Generally speaking, sinusitis is an inflammatory response and is not contagious, so it does not qualify as a communicable disease. In terms of treatment, conservative drug treatment is the primary approach, with oral medications and nasal sprays being the first choice, along with the use of saline or separated seawater for irrigation. Generally, conditions can be effectively controlled with medication. For cases of fungal infection, or chronic sinusitis where conservative drug treatment is ineffective, it may be advisable to consider endoscopic sinus surgery, which generally involves minimally invasive procedures with relatively minimal trauma and good outcomes.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How should sinusitis be treated?

Sinusitis is caused by acute inflammatory infections, mainly hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogens enter the sinuses through the sinus openings due to the patient catching a cold or having a flu, leading to congestion, swelling, hyperplasia, and exudation in the sinus mucosa. Symptoms include persistent nasal congestion, discharge of yellow secretions from the nasal cavity accompanied by a foul smell, and severe cases may also experience facial swelling, pain, and headaches. In terms of treatment, during the acute phase, patients need to first undergo symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, taking oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins, which are very effective. Additionally, physiological saline is used for nasal and sinus irrigation. If conservative treatment is ineffective, patients may require endoscopic sinus surgery and sinus mucosa clearance for recovery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can sinusitis cause headaches?

Sinusitis, now commonly referred to as sinusitis, is primarily caused by purulent secretions from bacterial infections that irritate structures, leading to symptoms such as toxic headaches and dizziness. During sinusitis, blockage of the sinus openings can cause negative pressure within the sinus cavity, which may also lead to pressurized headaches. Additionally, if sinusitis is accompanied by hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates or a deviated nasal septum, it can stimulate a nerve reflex causing neuralgic headaches. Therefore, it is certain that clinical sinusitis or paranasal sinusitis can cause headaches.