The paranasal sinuses are air-filled extensions in the nasal cavity. There are four paired sinuses that are named for the bones that contain them — maxillary (cheekbones), frontal (lower forehead), sphenoid (behind the nose), and ethmoid (beside the upper nose).
There are a number of roles the paranasal sinuses have:
· Lightening the weight of the head
· Supporting immune defense of the nasal cavity
· Humidifying and heating inspired air
· Increasing resonance of the voice
· Providing a buffer against facial trauma
If you’ve been diagnosed with paranasal sinus cavity cancer, there are several common treatment approaches depending on the stage of cancer and your general health. In general, surgery is the first treatment for cancers of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. If the cancer is too large to be removed by surgery alone, it may be paired with radiation or chemotherapy.
The paranasal sinuses are close to many important nerves, blood vessels, and other structures. The brain, eyes, mouth, and carotid arteries are also close by, making surgical planning difficult. The goal is to take out the entire tumor and a small amount of normal tissue while maintaining appearance and function. Operations for paranasal sinus tumors vary depending on the tumor location, size, growth, and type.
At Ohio Head and Neck Surgeons, we understand your concerns when seeking diagnosis and treatment options for Ear, Nose, and Throat injuries and diseases. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our quality ENT specialists. For more information on scheduling click here.
To prepare for your first appointment, you can also visit our New Patients page to find important forms you will need at your appointment including registration and health history.
