Sinus congestion and headaches? Check these 11 hidden tumour causes

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis: Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, facial pressure, nasal discharge and headaches (Image: Canva)

Blocked nose, headaches and a heavy face are usually considered ust another sinus infection. But when weeks turn into months and medication doesn’t seem to help, it’s a red flag. Persistent sinus-like symptoms could be masking a tumour. Early detection makes all the difference, so here’s what to watch for if your sinus symptoms won’t go away.

Chronic sinusitis usually refers to inflammation in the sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks, says Dr Aashka Ponda, Consultant Neuro-physician at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara. “Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, facial pressure, nasal discharge and headaches. When these problems don’t improve despite antibiotics and nasal sprays, they need deeper look,” says Dr Ponda.

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces surrounded by bone, located close to nerves, eyes and brain tissues. “Any growth, benign or malignant, in this tight space can press on structures or block mucus flow, leading to classic sinusitis-like symptoms. Early imaging and specialist evaluation are crucial when treatment isn’t working,” says Dr Ponda.

Also read | Sinus infections or plain cold and cough? Spot the differences, causes, symptoms and cure for sinusitis

The expert reveals 11 tumour-related conditions that can look like chronic sinusitis:

• Nasal tumours causing blockage and recurring infections: Both benign growths like polyps and more aggressive cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma can cause stubborn nasal congestion, facial pain and nosebleeds.

• Paranasal sinus tumours hiding in your frontal or maxillary sinuses: These tumours, whether benign osteomas or malignant melanomas, often cause facial swelling, nasal obstruction and pressure that don’t respond to normal sinus treatments.

• Trigeminal neuralgia making pain feel like sinus pressure: While not a sinus issue, this nerve disorder causes intense, stabbing facial pain often mistaken for sinus headache or pressure.

• Nasopharyngeal cancer slowly blocking sinus drainage: Growing at the back of the nasal cavity, this cancer presents subtly with post-nasal drip, nosebleeds and one-sided nasal blockage.

• Oropharyngeal cancers pressing near sinus areas: Tumours in the throat, tonsils or tongue base may cause nasal congestion and facial discomfort due to their location close to sinus pathways.

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• Olfactory neuroblastoma causing smell loss and sinus pain: This rare nerve tumour often starts with blocked nostrils, headaches and reduced sense of smell, worsening over time if undiagnosed.

• Vestibular schwannoma creating pressure and numbness: Though an ear tumour, large ones can press on nearby cranial nerves, causing headaches, facial numbness and pressure sensations.

• Salivary gland tumours affecting sinus drainage: When these grow near the sinuses, they can block mucus flow and cause swelling or recurrent infections.

• Plasmacytomas presenting with facial pain and nosebleeds: These rare plasma cell tumours inside nasal cavities can cause bloody discharge, pressure and blockage.

• Sarcomas creating deep, dull facial aches: Aggressive soft-tissue cancers that grow silently at first, sarcomas often present with persistent facial pain and congestion.

• Intracranial tumours referring pain to sinus areas: Brain tumours near the frontal lobe can cause headaches and pressure sensations easily mistaken for sinusitis.

If your sinus symptoms stay longer than 12 weeks or worsen over time, don’t ignore them, says Dr Ponda and advises on getting checked with a nasal endoscopy or imaging like MRI or CT scan. “Early detection of hidden tumours makes a huge difference in treatment success and long-term recovery outcomes,” she says.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.