Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma

Disease Overview

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a type of cancer that develops in the sinuses of the head. SNUC occurs when cells from the layer of tissue that lines the sinuses (called the epithelium) rapidly increase in number, forming a mass. The first symptoms of SNUC may include difficulty breathing though the nose or mild facial pain. As SNUC progresses, other symptoms may include nosebleeds, facial numbness, or tingling in the face. SNUC is an aggressive cancer, meaning it grows rapidly and has a tendency to spread into healthy tissues nearby and to more distant parts of the body (metastasis).[5783][12568] The cause of SNUC is still unknown.[12570] When possible, the treatment is the complete removal of the tumor, combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In cases where the tumor can’t be removed completely, the treatment is with radiation and chemotherapy. The risk of the tumor coming back (relapse) is high and the probability of cure is modest.[12569]

Synonyms

• SNUC
• Highly aggressive undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses