J's Garden - John S. Howland
Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma - SNUC - Resources
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.

 

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