What is SNUC?
Sinonasal
undifferentiated
carcinoma
(SNUC)
is a
rare
cancer
of the
nasal
cavity
and/or
paranasal
sinuses.
Initial
symptoms
range
from
bloody
nose,
runny
nose,
double
vision,
and
bulging
eye to
chronic
infections
and
nasal
obstruction.
It has
been
associated
with
several
types of
papilloma
in the
nasal
cavity,
which
are
benign,
but can
give
rise to
malignancy.
Prior
irradiation
for
other
cancers
has been
associated
with the
development
of SNUC
in a
number
of
cases,
and has
been
associated
with a
genetic
mutation
known to
be
associated
with
cancer
development.
Most
patients
have not
had
prior
irradiation,
and no
other
causes
have
demonstrated
to be
significant,
though
some
studies
have
found
that
woodworkers
and
nickel
factory
workers
are
generally
more
susceptible
to
sinonasal
malignancy
of all
types.
(Source: WebMD)Despite
the use of immunohistochemical techniques, the
differentiation between SNUC and esthesioneuroblastoma
can be quite difficult. Given the difference in natural
history, treatment, and prognosis between these two
malignancies, correct diagnosis is essential. (Source:
Danny J. Enepekides) |
A
SNUC Success Story
My name is Margaret Green and I am Catherine's
Mother. Thank you for sharing your story with us as it
was comforting to know we were not the only ones doing
it "tuff". My heart goes out to you and your family as I
know exactly what you must have been going through and
still going through even to-day. I had never heard of
this deadly disease until our Michael was diagnosed with
it in November 2008. Like your John his first symptoms
were a blocked nose, bleeding from the nasal passage,
headaches and numbness in the face. He was going to the
Dr who said he had sinus trouble and gave him two lots
of antibiotics to try to fix the problem. When this
didn't work he was sent to an ear, nose and throat
specialist who did a biopsy and sent him to Brisbane for
more scans. I still remember clearly the afternoon
Michael rang us to say he didn't have good news and that
it had spread to behind his eye, his jaw, carotid artery
and the base of his skull. My husband then accompanied
him back to Brisbane to speak with more doctors.
Story and othe stories
continued here... |
SNUC
Stories
We want to help others diagnosed with SNUC. If you
have questions, a story that you can share with others,
or just need someone to talk with regarding this
terrible disease, we encourage you to
contact us.
SNUC Treatments
We encourage those with stories of progressive
treatments to share them with others. Please
contact us to share your
story.
|
