Nasal cancers

Nasal cancers are cancers that develop inside the nose. These cancers are rare.

Cancers that develop in the nose lining or the space behind the nose are nasal cancers. Cancer can also start in the sinuses near your nose – this is paranasal or sinus cancer.

Some of the symptoms of nasal and paranasal cancers include a blocked nose, voice changes, cheek swelling, headaches and a painful or numb cheek.

Nasal and paranasal cancers can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system.

If this happens, the cancer can grow in the lymph nodes. This can show up as a painless lump in the neck.

Read about head and neck cancers and lymph node cancers for more information.

At The Christie, nasal and paranasal cancers are treated by the head and neck cancer team.

Last updated: March 2023