Maxillary Sinus Tumor and Facial Burning

@mksedillo26

If you had a CT scan by an ENT while having these burning symptoms and that ENT recommended removal of mucous retention cysts, which are very common in general population and most ENTs know to leave them alone as they don’t cause anything, then I would see a different ENT for an opinion.

The reason you get relief when cyst was removed is due to the nerve disruptions and healing with any nasal/sinus surgery. Once healing takes place and nerves settle then original issue comes back to the forefront because it’s most likely an incorrect diagnosis.

Be VERY cautious of any ENT whom offers to operate based off of a pain complaint as they know that is never a reason to dissect or remove anything in the nasal/sinus region.

Unfortunately, I think you are focusing on that area because the first ENT led you to believe that was the issue.

Happens very often in that specialty.

Most likely tension stress radiating causing referred pain into facial sinus region. Address your entire lifestyle

Thank you for the reply. The cyst was removed due to the size. It took up most of my sinus cavity and cause pain, and reoccurring infections. After the reoccurrence of infections I was sent to an allergist/immunologist (by primary care) to see the cause of these infections. She could not find anything wrong on the labs. I then was sent to dermatologist who said it’s not rosacea. After a year and a half of burning, tingling, and numbing sensations I decided to see if maybe my teeth were the problem. Had a 3D scan of my teeth done and she could see the cyst. She suggested ENT. It was then I had the scan done and the first cyst was found.

My face does not burn everyday. It may go a week to a month without burning and then it comes back,. Along with the burning I have sinus pressure, post nasal drip, sore/dry throat, sometimes a hoarse voice, ear pain, migraines, and facial swelling. I go see a doctor when it doesn’t get better, get diagnosed with a sinus infection and/or an ear infection. I get meds and steroids and it goes away again. I would love to say it’s stress but antibiotics and steroids don’t help stress.

The tumor was found two years after the cyst. I have chronic migraines and routinely see a neurologist. She needed an updated scan for her records. She ordered the MRI/CT of my brain and found the tumor. Went back to the ENT who determined it needed to be removed.

I am 6 months post op and the burning returned 2 months ago as well as the sinus infection cycle. I do the nasal rinses and all the sprays and yet nothing helps. The burning is only on one side of my face and can literally melt ice and remain hot to the touch.

@mksedillo26 -

Have you worked with someone to address rhino/sinusitis which is not “infection”. Typically this requires continuous topical steroid treatment ongoing.

Most people feel better due to the antibiotic anti inflammatory properties.

If you have allergies and or some type of ongoing nasal/sinus inflammation some people are prescribed Dupixent which works great.

While I can’t speak to tumor removal, that sounds difficult.

Can you help me understand, how the ENT determined the tumor needed to be removed? And where was it located. Was this Neuro in agreement. I ask because MRIs are far different than CT and can show hyper intensity of everything. Most ENTs do not use MRI for diagnosing conditions.

Unfortunately pain/brining from the neck up is often complex and multifactorial. Wish I could be of more help, but unfortunately I am not a fan of ENT surgeons or “most” of their practice.

Yes, I have seen someone. I take 2 different antihistamine and use Budesonide in my nasal wash, along with the various nose sprays I’ve been prescribed. Even after all of that it still happens.

As for the tumor: Upon going to the ENT, he did a CT scan to see whatever the neurologist had previously identified on the MRI. The tumor was attached to my jaw bone and the roots from my teeth are apparently extra long and were somehow involved. It sat just above top left front teeth in the sinus cavity where some of the pain and swelling was coming from. At the last post op checkup a polyp was beginning to form somewhere in my sinus cavity and about a month or so later the burning sensations returned.

@mksedillo26

Sorry you are dealing with this. What an ordeal. It is so very hard to chase pain with physicians.

It can all be very complex.

Have you explored burning mouth syndrome and burning skin syndrome? I have because of a constant bitter taste I have had since getting post covid syndrome and being diagnosed with B12 deficiency. I’m not sure if I have either of those conditions.

Have you had your B12 level checked? Low B12 can cause burning skin sensation. My symptoms have been varied and some intermittent, especially the burning. My ENT and neurologist can’t be certain of the exact cause. My burning has reduced greatly and is barely noticeable.

I hope you can find some answers and treatment for whatever is causing your symptom. I realize it can be very distressing.