The nose can be obstructed/congested due to anatomic causes (deviated septum, concha bullosa), environmental causes (allergies, infection), or growths in the nose (nasal polyps, tumors). These obstructions can cause difficulty with breathing, snoring, or problems with smell and taste.

Tumors of the sinuses can be either benign (non-cancer) or cancerous. When they grow, they can put pressure on the eyes or brain, causing significant dysfunction and/or discomfort. Common tumors include inverted papilloma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and others.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths of soft tissue that develop in the nose and sinuses. The cause of nasal polyps is unknown, but they are associated with chronic inflammation. Often, this condition is associated with other inflammatory disorders, such as asthma or rheumatologic disorders.

Tumors of the skull base occupy an area inside the head that serves as a barrier between the brain and the sinus cavities. The skull base is a critical and complex area through which pass vital nerves and blood vessels.  Both benign (non-cancer), and cancerous tumors can occur in this location. Examples include pituitary tumors, craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, chordomas, esthesioneuroblastomas, petrous apex granulomas, and others.

If the membrane that surrounds the brain tears or punctures, “spinal fluid” (or its medical term, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) can leak out and cause headaches, infection, and further complications, including meningitis. This can occur spontaneously, or following endoscopic sinus surgery.

Epiphora (excessive tearing), and dacryocystitis (inflammation/infection of the tear duct/sac) are common problems which can sometimes arise from disorders within the nose and sinuses.

Olfactory (smell) disorders can occur in patients with or without sinus disease. This can include a depression or loss in the sense of smell, or smell distortion when things do not smell like they are supposed to. Often, those with taste disorders have an underlying abnormality in the sense of smell, because that is the primary way we perceive flavor in food.