Sinonasal Tumors Gangnam Seoul | Nose & Sinus Tumor ENT

What are sinonasal tumors?

Sinonasal tumors are abnormal growths of tissue inside the nose or sinuses. They can arise from the lining (epithelium), bone, blood vessels, nerves or glands. Because the sinuses are hollow spaces, tumors may grow silently for a long time before causing symptoms.

Types of benign tumors we evaluate

Inverted papilloma – the most common benign epithelial tumor, usually one-sided and prone to recurrence.
Osteoma – a slow-growing bony lump, most often in the frontal or ethmoid sinus, frequently found by chance on CT.
Hemangioma – a vascular lesion that may present with recurrent nosebleeds.
Schwannoma – a rare tumor arising from nerve sheath cells.
Fibrous dysplasia – a bone development disorder in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue, causing facial bone expansion.

Malignant tumors, such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and others, are rare but must always be excluded.

Symptoms

Nasal blockage on one side that slowly worsens
Recurrent nosebleeds or blood-stained discharge from one side
Reduced smell
Facial pain, swelling or numbness of the cheek
Watery eye, double vision or a bulging eye
Loose upper teeth or a poorly fitting denture

Many benign tumors cause no symptoms and are discovered on imaging for another reason.

How they are diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim begins with nasal endoscopy to visualize any mass and its appearance. A sinus CT scan shows bone involvement, such as the dense pattern of an osteoma or the ground-glass appearance of fibrous dysplasia. MRI may be arranged to separate soft tissue tumor from retained secretions. A biopsy is taken when appropriate, except for vascular lesions where bleeding risk requires a planned approach.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the tumor type, size, location and symptoms:

Observation – small asymptomatic osteomas and stable fibrous dysplasia are often monitored with periodic imaging.
Endoscopic removal – most benign tumors can be removed through the nostrils with endoscopes; see sinonasal tumor removal.
Referral for complex care – tumors involving the skull base or orbit, highly vascular lesions and any malignancy are referred to a university hospital team, where combined surgery, radiotherapy or other treatment can be provided.

Our clinic performs suitable cases under local anesthesia through the nasal and sinus surgery center and is transparent when hospital care is the better choice.

When to see an ENT

Any one-sided nasal symptom lasting more than three to four weeks should be examined. Seek prompt care for recurrent one-sided bleeding, facial numbness, eye changes or swelling of the cheek or palate. Early evaluation matters because outcomes are better when tumors are found small.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk trained in endoscopic skull base surgery in Pittsburgh and taught rhinology as a university professor in Korea. He explains imaging and pathology in English and arranges referral when needed. See our international patient guide for records and certificates.

Are most nose and sinus tumors cancerous?

No. Most growths found in the nose and sinuses are benign, such as polyps, papillomas or osteomas. Malignant tumors are uncommon, but one-sided symptoms, bleeding or numbness should always be examined so cancer can be ruled out early.

Does every osteoma need surgery?

No. Small osteomas that cause no symptoms are often simply monitored with occasional CT scans. Surgery is considered when an osteoma blocks sinus drainage, causes pain or infection, grows significantly, or approaches the eye or skull base.

Can my records be shared with a doctor in my home country?

Yes. Gangnam Yonsei ENT can provide copies of medical records and an English medical certificate. Imaging can also be provided so that your doctor at home can review the findings and continue follow-up care.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Sinonasal Tumor Evaluation in Gangnam, Seoul