About Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Key Highlights
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Aims for complete tumor removal with clear surgical margins to maximize cure potential.Utilizes advanced techniques like endoscopic surgery for less invasive access in suitable cases.Often performed as part of a coordinated, multidisciplinary cancer care plan.Focuses on preserving critical functions like vision, smell, and facial structure when possible.Can provide definitive tissue diagnosis and accurate cancer staging.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a malignant tumor (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma) in the paranasal sinuses confirmed by biopsy.
- Persistent, unexplained symptoms such as unilateral nasal obstruction, facial pain or swelling, epistaxis (nosebleeds), or visual changes.
- A mass or lesion in the sinus identified on imaging (CT or MRI scan) that is suspicious for cancer.
- Cancer that is localized or locally advanced and considered surgically resectable.
- As a component of treatment following neoadjuvant (pre-operative) chemotherapy or radiation in some protocols.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including detailed imaging (CT, MRI, possibly PET-CT) to map the tumor's extent.
- Medical optimization of the patient's overall health, including management of any chronic conditions.
- Consultations with a multidisciplinary team, which may include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and reconstructive surgeons.
- Pre-operative dental evaluation and possible dental extractions if radiation therapy is planned post-surgery.
- Detailed discussion with the surgical team about the procedure, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes, including potential need for reconstruction.
- Fasting as instructed prior to the surgery, typically for 8-12 hours.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) during or after the procedure.
- Infection at the surgical site or in the sinuses.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a risk when surgery is near the skull base.
- Injury to nearby structures, including the eye (affecting vision), optic nerve, or brain.
- Persistent nasal drainage, congestion, or loss of sense of smell (anosmia).
- Facial numbness, pain, or changes in facial appearance, which may require reconstructive surgery.
- Formation of scar tissue or sinusitis.
- General risks of anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and ensuring no major complications like CSF leak.
- Nasal packing or splints may be in place for a short period to control bleeding and support healing.
- Instructions on gentle nasal care, which may include saline rinses once cleared by the surgeon.
- Pain medication and possibly antibiotics will be prescribed.
- Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and blowing the nose forcefully for several weeks.
- Close follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove any non-dissolvable packing, and discuss pathology results.
- Recovery is closely coordinated with plans for any adjuvant therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
- Nutritional support may be needed initially, especially if chewing or swallowing is affected.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering paranasal sinus cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with head and neck surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform paranasal sinus cancer. MediFyr helps you compare head and neck surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for paranasal sinus cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
Anika Brown, a 58-year-old high school...
Anika Brown, a 58-year-old high school art teacher and avid gardener, had been battling what she thought was a persistent sinus infection for nearly a year. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics, she experienced constant left-sided nasal congestion, occasional bloody mucus, and a dull ache behind her left eye. A CT scan, ordered by her ENT after her symptoms failed to resolve, revealed a mass in her left maxillary sinus. A biopsy confirmed it was squamous cell carcinoma. Her head and neck surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended an endoscopic maxillectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the tumor through the nose, followed by a course of radiation therapy. Anika was terrified of losing her sense of smell, crucial for both her art and her love of flowers. The surgery was successful in achieving clear margins. Recovery involved nasal packing for a week, a liquid diet, and significant fatigue. Six weeks post-op, with radiation completed, a follow-up scan showed no evidence of disease. While her sense of smell on the left side is diminished, it is slowly returning. Emotionally, Anika moved from a state of fear and denial, initially dismissing her symptoms, to profound anxiety upon diagnosis. Post-treatment, she feels resilient and grateful, channeling her experience into a series of paintings about healing and renewal.
Head and Neck surgeons for Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Explore experienced head and neck surgeons who regularly perform paranasal sinus cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
- 17 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai