ENT Inquiry: Can Nasal or Sinus Cancer Develop in 3 Months Post-Normal Endoscopy?
Subject: 62 Years Old Gender: Female Background: Long-standing nasal and sinus issues My mother has grappled with persistent nasal blockages, sinus discomfort, and ear pressure for a considerable period. Approximately three months prior, she underwent a flexible fiberoptic nasal endoscopy, which revealed signs indicative of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. The examination showcased features such as inflamed and discolored mucosa, enlarged nasal turbinates, and the presence of clear mucus. Importantly, no masses or concerning lesions were identified during this evaluation. Additionally, her oropharyngeal examination yielded normal results. However, during a recent ENT consultation, a “suspicious lesion above the middle turbinate” was identified via endoscopy, which prompted a referral for an “urgent” CT scan (scheduled for three weeks from now, as we reside in Croatia). Currently, she does not exhibit any worsening symptoms such as facial swelling, altered vision, or recurring nosebleeds (two notable nosebleeds occurred around a year ago, but she has not experienced any since then). I have a few inquiries: 1. Is it feasible for a malignant tumor in the nasal or sinus region to arise or become significant within a mere three months, given that a fiberoptic endoscopy conducted three months earlier revealed no alarming findings? 2. Considering this clinical scenario, how much more likely could this be a nasal polyp or chronic inflammatory reaction as opposed to a cancerous growth? 3. Is there a possibility that such a lesion existed three months prior but eluded detection during the fiberoptic endoscopy? I greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide regarding these concerns.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 2:30:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your mother's nasal health. I understand how worrying this situation can be, especially after the recent discovery of a suspicious lesion. Let’s address your questions step by step.
Main Points
- It is unlikely for a malignant tumor to develop significantly within three months after a normal endoscopy.
- The likelihood of this being a nasal polyp or chronic inflammatory issue is higher than that of cancer.
- It is possible that a small lesion may have been present but not detectable during the prior endoscopy.
Explanation
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Development of Malignant Tumors: Most cancers, including those in the nasal and sinus regions, take time to develop. A lesion that was not visible three months ago remains unlikely to have transformed significantly into a malignant tumor in such a short time. Factors like tumor growth rates vary but typically extend over months to years.
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Benign vs. Malignant Growth: Given your mother's long-standing issues with nasal blockages and chronic rhinitis, it is more plausible that the new lesion is related to these chronic conditions, such as a nasal polyp or inflammation rather than a cancerous growth. Nasal polyps are common among individuals with chronic sinusitis and present as growths of inflamed tissue.
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Detection Issues: Endoscopy is a detailed examination, but not all lesions are always visible; some may be small or located in difficult-to-see areas. Hence, it is conceivable that a lesion existed before but went unnoticed.
Next Steps
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Stay Informed: While waiting for the CT scan, encourage your mother to monitor her symptoms closely. Note any changes such as new headaches, vision changes, or increased nasal bleeding, as these might be significant.
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Managing Symptoms: Maintain her comfort by ensuring she stays hydrated and employs saline nasal sprays to alleviate nasal blockage and inflammation during this waiting period.
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Follow-Up: Upon receiving the results from the CT scan, it is essential to meet with her ENT specialist to discuss the findings. This will guide the next steps for any treatment or further evaluation if necessary.
It's completely normal to feel anxious during this time. Please remember that you and your mother are taking the right steps by seeking comprehensive evaluations. I’m here to support you further with any questions or updates you might have.
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