Early Symptoms of Nasal Cavity Cancer
Apr 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Peng Xiaodong
Introduction
Typically, patients with early-stage nasal cavity cancer often experience blood from one nostril or epistaxis (nosebleeds). Initially, the amount of bleeding is small but may recur frequently; in some cases, patients may experience profuse bleeding even at an early stage. Nasal discharge in patients with nasal cancer may be purulent or mucoid; when the tumor ulcerates and becomes secondarily infected, the discharge may become purulent, blood-tinged, and malodorous.
Nasal cavity cancer refers to malignant tumors arising within the nasal cavity—commonly located on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, in the middle meatus, or on the middle or inferior turbinates. What are the early symptoms of nasal cavity cancer?
Early Symptoms of Nasal Cavity Cancer
Typically, patients with early-stage nasal cavity cancer often experience unilateral epistaxis (nosebleed) or blood-tinged discharge from one nostril. Initially, bleeding may be minimal but tends to recur frequently; in some cases, patients may present with profuse hemorrhage even at an early stage. Nasal secretions in patients with nasal cancer may be purulent or mucoid; when tumor ulceration is complicated by secondary infection, bloody, foul-smelling purulent discharge may occur.
Early-stage patients often do not exhibit obvious nasal obstruction. As the tumor progressively enlarges, it impairs nasal airflow, leading to progressive nasal obstruction. On physical examination, a new growth can be visualized within the nasal cavity—typically appearing pink or dark red, with a cauliflower-like exophytic surface, sometimes accompanied by ulceration and necrosis. The lesion is usually firm and friable, bleeding easily upon contact.
Nasal cavity cancer typically develops unilaterally. Early symptoms include unilateral nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and occasionally blood-streaked sputum—or hemoptysis upon posterior nasal suctioning. Other early manifestations include epistaxis, purulent discharge mixed with blood, numbness or pain over the external nose. In advanced disease, tumor compression of the nasolacrimal duct and/or orbit may cause epiphora (excessive tearing) and diplopia (double vision). Invasion into the masticatory muscles may result in trismus (difficulty opening the mouth). Cervical lymph node metastasis, distant systemic metastasis, massive hemorrhage, anemia, and cancer-related cachexia may also occur. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
