Symptoms & Risk Factors of Cancer of Maxillary Sinus & Paranasal Sinuses
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may be totally absent. Another practical problem that makes an early detection difficult is that, symptoms if present are not specific.
- Blocked sinuses that do not clear
- Headaches
- Pain in the sinus areas on either sides of the nose
- Runny nose
- Nosebleeds
- Lump or sore inside the nose that does not heal
- Swelling on the face or roof of the mouth
- Numbness of cheeks
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Loose teeth
- Dentures that no longer fit well
- Swelling or other difficulties with the eyes
A sinusitis, which is an infection of sinuses, may mimic these symptoms.
Risk Factors Of Maxillary Sinus Cancer
As mentioned earlier cancers of paranasal sinuses are not common, but if they arise the most common sites affected are the maxillary sinuses. These sinuses are normally lines by thin, flat cells called squamous cells. The abnormal division of these cells result in squamous cell carcinoma.
A risk factor is something that increases the chance of acquiring a disease. It doesn’t however mean that there should be a risk factor for a person to catch the ailment.
The following conditions may predispose a person to increased risk of developing a maxillary sinus cancer.
- Exposure to certain workplace chemicals or dust
- Work in Furniture-making
- Work in Sawmill
- Carpentry
- Shoemaking
- Metal-plating
- Flour mill or bakery work
- Being male
- Age more than 40 years
- Smoking; Tobacco use
- Chronic sinusitis
A cancer can also arise even in the absence of the above mentioned factors.
