Getting diagnosed
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition. For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better or respond to treatment, such as antibiotics.
Your GP might arrange for you to have some tests first. This will help them decide if you need to see a specialist.
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. The following is a summary. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgement.
Your doctor (or sometimes your dentist) might refer you to a specialist urgently if you have:
recent symptoms in one side of the nose such as a blockage or a bloody discharge for no reason
a lump in the head and neck area for more than 3 weeks for no reason
an undiagnosed lump that has changed over a period of 3 to 6 weeks
a pain in one side of the head and neck for more than 4 weeks for no reason, such ear ache
loose teeth for no reason
Remember, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, and do not necessarily mean that you have nasal and paranasal sinus cancer. But it is important to get them checked out.
Your GP will consider any other symptoms that you are having, so do mention these. They might also take into account whether you have any risk factors that affect your chances of developing nasal and paranasal sinus cancer.
Go to the risk and causes of nasal and paranasal sinus cancer
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
If your GP has referred you, ask them when you should get your appointment. Contact them again if you don’t get one. Or some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask
Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.
Last reviewed: 18 Dec 2023
Next review due: 18 Dec 2026
You should see your doctor if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of cancer.
You might have one or more tests to diagnose nasal and paranasal sinus cancer.
Screening means testing people for early stages of a disease. This is before they have any symptoms. There is no national screening programme for nasal and paranasal sinus cancer in the UK.
Cancer can start in the lining of the space behind the nose (nasal cavity) or the nearby air cavities (paranasal sinuses) and sometimes spread to lymph nodes and rarely other parts of the body.
Nasal and paranasal sinus cancer can cause symptoms such as nose and eye problems, as well as other symptoms such as a lump or a growth.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
