possible lump/tumor in right nostril and right palate

[ttutah3]

Hi, I never post on forums, but I am very scared and cannot see my ENT until Wednesday. First a history. 12 years ago I had 12 benign nasal polyps removed and major work done on the right side of my sinuses and a corrected deviated septum.  I often experience pressure on the right side of face and head when I bend over. I also get weird headaches on the top right side of head that worsen when pressed upon. I had a CT scan done about 5-6 years ago and all that was found was unusual bone structire that does not allow for proper sinus drainage. No tumor or anything. Recently I developed the headaches again and what I think was a sinus infection. went to gp for diagnosis.  received antibiotivs.  while at Dr.  I pointed out a lump or swelling that I had noticed in the upper right palate of my mouth. She said, "what is that? looks kind of like a bruise." She did not seem overly concerned but said to watch it. It kind of freaks me out because it is on the same side as all of my sinus issues and I have also notced a hard, bone like "something" in my nose near the septum. I do not know if it is a bone that is suppose to be there, or a growth. I thought polyps were suppose to be soft, and this is not soft or moveable. The left side is completely clear. I am really scared now thinking that it might be a tumor that has started to grow into my mouth palate. The lump is not visable at all in the mouth and just looks like a swollen gland, but has a small hard spot the size of a bb in it. I cannot get into the ENT until Wednesday, but I am really worried. I have three young children and a wonderful husband, so cancer would be devistating. I know the outlook for sinus and oral cancer is very grim. Could the lump in the mouth possibly be due to my past infection? Could the nose thing be scar tissue due to my past surgery or due to my irregular bone structure? No weight loss or major pain. sometimes the lump in mouth aches very slightly. Might be due to manipulation

[ttutah3]

thank you.  I will try to relax.  Is it possible that the nose problem is causing the swelling in the palate.  Seems to coincidental that they are occurring on the same side.

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

Malignancy of the sinuses is relatively rare with a higher incidence in males and smokers.   There are many inflammatory and benign processes that may easily explain your symtoms.

The most likely explanation is an infection (chronic) due to poor drainage.  Polyps may recur at any time especially in patients predisposed to having them.  This can block the natural drainage of the sinus (frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid and maxillary) and lead to your symptoms.  Some polyps may feel more firm then others.

A simple non-contrast CT scan of the sinus takes only minutes and can reliable determine if one or more of the sinuses are affected.

A less likely diagnosis would be a benign neoplasm of the minor salivary glands in your palate.  In this instance a biopsy would be performed.  Given your history my first guess is most likely.

Techniques to remove polyps have greatly improved since you last had it done and the recovery is much easier.

Try not to worry too much.  There is a saying in the medical field that "common things occur commonly."  

Keep us posted.