How is sinus cancer diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you several questions about the history of your condition and your symptoms. He or she will then perform a thorough head and neck examination, paying particular attention to the nasal cavity, face, throat and neck. A small fiberoptic telescope (link) may be used to perform an examination of the nasal and sinus areas. This procedure is painless and done often for patients with nose or sinus problems. If your doctor suspects a possible sinonasal tumor, he or she may order a CT scan. This procedure uses x-ray to take pictures of your sinuses and neck. Intravenous contrast (dye) may also be used to study the area of interest. (link to CT site). Another type of imaging study that may be ordered is an MRI. This study uses magnets rather than X-rays to take pictures of the sinuses and neck. It is especially useful in evaluating tumors that may involve the eye, brain or nerves. Other types of imaging studies are used in special circumstances and may include PET scans and a
