Nasal & Sinus Cavity Cancer Treatment

There are several treatment options for nasal and sinus cavity cancer. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. What your doctor recommends will be based on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and your preferences and overall health.

Radiation therapy involves using high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy:

• External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. At RCOG, we primarily use intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to treat nasal and sinus cavity cancer. IMRT is an advanced form of external beam radiation treatment that allows precise targeting of tumor cells with high energy beams of radiation. This precision allows the radiation oncologist to deliver a maximum dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing much of the surrounding tissue.
• Internal radiation therapy, more commonly called brachytherapy, uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. Because external radiation therapy is so precise, brachytherapy is not typically used to treat nasal and sinus cavity cancer. 

There are some potential side effects to be aware of when receiving radiation therapy around the head and neck area.

• Radiation therapy can damage healthy tissue in the nasal and sinus area. This could result in a change in your sense of smell. It can also cause narrowing of the nasal cavity, making it hard to breathe. A member of your cancer care team can offer suggestions to help. 
• Radiation therapy can cause current dental problems to worsen. It’s a good idea to have a dental exam prior to treatment to see if any preventative measures need to be taken. 

Most of these side effects go away over time after treatment but some can be permanent.