ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about the number of people who are diagnosed with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer each year. You will also read general information on surviving these diseases. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors. Use the menu to see other pages.

Both nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer are uncommon. They make up only 3% to 5% of head and neck cancers in the United States. People in certain areas of the world, such as Denmark, are more likely to develop these diseases.

In the United States, cancer of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinus is more common as people grow older. Approximately 4 out of 5 people diagnosed with nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer are at least 55 years old. White people are diagnosed with nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer far more often than Black people.

The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least 5 years after the cancer is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The 5-year survival rate for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is 58%. However, survival rates are based on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer.

If the cancer is located only in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinus, the 5-year survival rate is 82%. If the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs and/or to regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 52%. If there is distant spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 43%. Talk with your doctor about what you can expect with your specific diagnosis.

It is important to remember that statistics on the survival rates for people with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer are an estimate. The estimate comes from annual data based on the number of people with these types of cancer in the United States. Also, experts measure the survival statistics every 5 years. This means the estimate may not reflect the results of advancements in how nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer are diagnosed or treated from the last 5 years. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about this information. Learn more about understanding statistics.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society website. (Source accessed January 2022.)

The next section in this guide is Medical Illustrations. It offers drawings of body parts often affected by nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.