Sinus Tumor Treatments
UPMC's neurosurgical team may recommend a combination of surgical and non-surgical approaches for the treatment and removal of sinus tumors.
Sinus Tumor Surgery
Sinus tumors may be approached directly using the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA).This state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to access the tumor through the natural corridor of the nose, without making an open incision. Surgeons then remove the tumor through the nose and nasal cavities.
EEA offers the benefits of no incisions to heal, no disfigurement, and a faster recovery time.
If you need complementary treatments, such as radiation, those therapies can begin soon after EEA surgery.
When evaluating sinus tumors, our neurosurgeons will look at your condition from every direction in order to find the path that is least disruptive to your brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be used after surgery for a malignant sinus tumor. Radiation can be delivered:
- Externally by directing radiation at the tumor from an outside source
- Internally by placing radioactive material directly in the body near the cancer
- Using stereotactic radiosurgery to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the tumor
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells.
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may be taken by mouth, given by an injection, or placed directly into the brain tumor site.
After treatment
Frequent follow-up is required for malignant sinus tumors because of the high rate of developing secondary cancers in the head or neck.
