Can a deviated nasal septum become cancerous?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 02, 2025
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A deviated nasal septum does not lead to cancer, as the main cause of a deviated nasal septum is either congenital malformation or trauma resulting in nasal fractures or deviations.

The primary site of deviation is the cartilage of the nasal septum or the posterior bony part. This may lead to narrowing of the nasal passageway, potentially causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and nosebleeds. However, overall, this condition is benign and unlikely to become cancerous.

In terms of treatment, minor deviations might not require any intervention, but prominent deviations causing clinical symptoms might necessitate surgical correction.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Manifestations of a deviated nasal septum

Nasal septum deviation is a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, which may present clinical symptoms. The extent of these symptoms largely depends on the degree of the deviation and the individual's personal sensitivity. If the deviation is mild and not severe, it might not show any obvious symptoms and is usually discovered during physical examinations or nasopharyngoscope evaluations. Additionally, it may be accompanied by related clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, and a decrease in the sense of smell. If these clinical symptoms occur, it is necessary to undergo nasopharyngoscopy and sinus CT scans to assess the specific degree of nasal septum deviation. Some patients may require surgical treatment.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be corrected?

Deviations in the nasal septum can be corrected through endoscopic septoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope. The aim of the surgery is to remove or correct the deviated part of the nasal septum's cartilage or bone, achieving proper alignment. Some cases of nasal septum deviation may also involve the formation of spurs, so there is a possibility of damaging the mucosa of the nasal septum during the surgery. This could result in complications such as a septal perforation or a tear in the mucosa on one side of the nose. In such cases, repositioning the mucosa or repairing the perforation generally yields good results in correcting the deviation and restoring normal nasal function.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated septum be seen from the outside?

A deviated nasal septum is not apparent externally; it requires a hospital examination including a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan for a definitive diagnosis. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, with about 90% of people having some degree of deviation. This condition is mainly due to abnormal nasal septum development during the embryonic stage or due to trauma to the nasal septum or compression from nasal tumors occurring later. When the nasal septum deviates to one or both sides, it primarily causes persistent, progressive nasal obstruction on both sides. It also accompanies symptoms like mucous nasal discharge, a sense of swelling or a foreign body in the nasal cavity, facial pain, and headaches. A deviated nasal septum can also lead to complications such as sinusitis and nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed at a hospital with a nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scan. Treatment involves surgical correction of the deviated nasal septum, which can cure the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is the deviation of the nasal septum severe?

Deviated nasal septum is generally not too severe. Overall, its harm to health is not significant. Whether a deviated nasal septum is serious depends on individual differences, and one should primarily examine the specific condition inside the nasal cavity. If the degree of deviation is not severe and there are no clinical manifestations, it generally does not require specific treatment, mainly regular reviews to observe any changes. However, if the deviation is quite pronounced and accompanied by clinical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, or nosebleeds, it may be necessary to consider surgical correction. Currently, the main approach is minimally invasive surgery using an endoscope, and the overall results are quite definitive.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of a deviated nasal septum?

Nasal septum deviation refers to the condition where the cartilaginous and bony tissue of the nasal septum leans to one side, affecting one or both nasal cavities. Clinically, it primarily presents as nasal congestion. This congestion is unilateral and persistent, or it can be persistent on both sides. Additionally, nosebleeds occur because the mucous membrane on the deviated side is very thin, making it susceptible to bleeding due to friction from the airflow during breathing. Furthermore, the deviated nasal septum can irritate the turbinates, leading to nerve reflex pain and resulting in headaches. Thus, the main symptoms of nasal septum deviation include the ones listed above.