Saed News: Many of us are familiar with various types of cancer and their symptoms; however, oral cancers are less commonly heard of, and public awareness about these diseases and their symptoms may be limited.
According to the Science and Technology Service of Saed News, while many of us are familiar with skin cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, few of us have heard of head and neck cancers. These lesser-known types of cancer can affect the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), salivary glands, sinuses, and nasal cavities. Although not among the most common cancers, it's essential to understand them better in order to recognize and treat them in time.
Five-year studies in this field show that nasal and sinus cancers are extremely rare but require early detection. Otherwise, the situation can become critical.
As with any type of cancer, early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly improve the chances of returning to a good quality of life. Therefore, having detailed knowledge of these cancers helps in preparing for what might come. According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one possible symptom can appear in the teeth—and it might indicate a serious internal issue.
Pain in the upper teeth can be a sign of nasal or sinus cancer. The CDC warns that persistent pain in the upper teeth or loosening of teeth in that region that doesn’t go away over time can be a sign of these types of cancer. While it affects only about 2,000 people per year, it still deserves serious attention.
Some symptoms might simply point to a sinus infection. Pain in the upper rear teeth may indicate a sinus problem rather than cancer. For example, sinus infections often present similar symptoms.
The sinuses are two pairs of hollow spaces in the skull connected to the nasal cavity. When inflamed (sinusitis), the tissue in these areas causes discomfort. Issues in this region—or dental infections—can lead to chronic sinusitis and ongoing pain.
You might wonder how to differentiate between these two conditions. Recognizing sinus cancer symptoms can help distinguish it from less serious issues. When cancer is the cause, you may experience additional signs such as:
Nosebleeds
Lumps or burning sensations in the nose
Numbness or tingling in the face and sinus area
Sinus pressure, ear pressure, or vision problems
If these symptoms appear only on one side of the sinuses or face—or affect teeth on just one side—greater concern is warranted. The head and neck systems are symmetrical and interconnected, so unilateral symptoms should not be ignored.
If you're experiencing toothache or any kind of dental issues, your first step should be to see a dentist. A dentist can determine whether your pain is due to gum disease, tooth decay, or infection, and identify the source of the issue.
If the dentist suspects that your sinuses might be causing the pain, they may refer you to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist for further evaluation.
