Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (sometimes called sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC of the sinuses) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the flat, scale-like cells lining the inside of the nose and the air-filled spaces around it (the sinuses). These spaces include the maxillary sinuses (behind the cheekbones), the ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes), the frontal sinuses (above the eyebrows), and the sphenoid sinuses (deep behind the nose). Because these areas are hidden inside the skull, this cancer often grows quietly for a long time before it is noticed. The most common symptoms include a blocked or stuffy nose that does not go away, nosebleeds, pain or pressure in the face, and changes in vision or numbness in the face if the tumor grows near nerves or the eye socket. Some people notice a lump in the neck if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Because these symptoms can look like a simple sinus infection, diagnosis is often delayed. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, often combined with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be added for more advanced cases. When caught early, treatment can be very effective. However, because many cases are found at a later stage, ongoing follow-up care is very important. Research into newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs is ongoing, offering hope for people whose cancer has come back or spread.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Persistent blocked or stuffy nose on one sideFrequent or unexplained nosebleedsPain or pressure in the face or cheeksReduced sense of smellSwelling around one eye or bulging of the eyeDouble vision or vision changesNumbness or tingling in the faceLoose teeth or pain in the upper jawA lump or swelling in the neckHeadaches that do not go awayEar pain or a feeling of fullness in the earDifficulty opening the mouth fully
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
3 eventsM.D. Anderson Cancer Center — PHASE2
Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center — PHASE2
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
3 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Immunotherapy With Chemotherapy and Chemoradiation for Advanced Squamous Cancer of Nasal Cavity / Paranasal Sinuses (I-NAPA)
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,Is surgery possible, and what would it involve for my specific tumor location?,Will I need radiation, chemotherapy, or both after surgery?,Should my tumor be tested for molecular markers like PD-L1 or EGFR to guide treatment?,What are the likely side effects of treatment, and how will they affect my daily life?,How often will I need follow-up scans, and what are we watching for?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?
Common questions about Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
What is Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (sometimes called sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC of the sinuses) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the flat, scale-like cells lining the inside of the nose and the air-filled spaces around it (the sinuses). These spaces include the maxillary sinuses (behind the cheekbones), the ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes), the frontal sinuses (above the eyebrows), and the sphenoid sinuses (deep behind the nose). Because these areas are hidden inside the skull, this cancer often grows quietly for a long time before it is n
How is Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses inherited?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses typically begin?
Typical onset of Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses?
Yes — 3 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses?
13 specialists and care centers treating Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.