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Stages of Nasal Cavity and Ethmoid Sinus Cancer

Stages of Nasal Cavity and Ethmoid Sinus Cancer

A doctor will conduct tests to determine the stage of nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus cancer, which is then used develop an appropriate treatment plan. The following stages are used for nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus cancer.

Stage 0 nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus

Cancer is found in the innermost lining of the nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus only. Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage 1 nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus

Cancer is found in only one area (of either the nasal cavity or the ethmoid sinus) and may have spread into bone.

Stage 2 nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus

Cancer is found in two areas (of either the nasal cavity or the ethmoid sinus) or has spread to a nearby area; cancer may have spread into bone.

Stage 3 nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus

Cancer is found in any of the following places:

  • The eye socket
  • The maxillary sinus
  • The roof of the mouth
  • The bone between the eyes

OR

Cancer is found in a single lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer and the lymph node is 3 centimeters or smaller; cancer also is found in any of the following places:

  • The nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus
  • The eye socket
  • The maxillary sinus
  • The roof of the mouth
  • The bone between the eyes
Stage 4 nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus

Stage IV is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC.

Stage IVA
Cancer has spread to either one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer and the lymph node is larger than 3 centimeters but smaller than 6 centimeters; or, cancer has spread to more than one lymph node anywhere in the neck, and all are 6 centimeters or smaller; cancer is also found in any of the following places:

  • The nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus
  • The eye socket
  • The maxillary sinus
  • The roof of the mouth
  • The bone between the eyes

OR

Cancer is found in one or more lymph nodes in the neck, and the lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller; cancer is also found in any of the following areas:

  • The front of the eye
  • The skin of the nose or cheek
  • Front parts of the skull
  • The base of the skull
  • The sphenoid or frontal sinuses

Stage IVB
Cancer is found in any of the following areas:

  • The back of the eye
  • The brain
  • The middle parts of the skull
  • Nerves in the head
  • The upper part of the throat behind the nose
  • The base of the skull

Cancer may also be found in one or more lymph nodes.
or
Cancer is found in a lymph node that is larger than 6 centimeters.

Stage IVC
Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

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