A tumour is a word used for swelling. Swellings may be benign (not malignant) or malignant (type of cancer).

Benign tumours are the most common type, are slow growing and do not destroy surrounding structures. Examples of these are nasal polyps, inverted papilloma, angiofibroma, osteoma, haemangioma.

Malignant tumours are types of cancers and destroy the surrounding structures and may also spread to other parts of the body. Although these are rare, the common cancers of the sinuses are squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, adenocarcinoma , melanoma.

The symptoms include progessive nasal blockage, nasal bleeding, loss of smell and an apparent mass in nose.

If it spreads to other areas, it may give rise to symptoms depending on to the site of spread, such as vision impairment, swelling of the palate or cheek, trismus (inability to open mouth).

The treatment is decided by detailed evaluation using endoscopy, CT and/or MRI scanning. In cases of malignant tumours, the treatment plan is decided in consultation with an oncologist (cancer specialists).

Benign tumours are removed surgically and this can often be done by endoscopic sinus surgery using telescopes inserted via the nostrils.

The treatment of malignant tumours includes surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending on the disease.