Sinusitis is one of the benign pathologies that often arise in the heart of winter. However, it should not be taken lightly, especially when the treatment does not overcome the symptoms, and in the elderly. American researchers have in fact established a link between chronic sinusitis and an increased risk of head and neck cancer after the age of 65.
This work, conducted by the American National Cancer Institute and published in the medical journal JAMA Otolaryngology, are the result of the analysis of health data from 1,300,000 American seniors. The results indicate that the presence of chronic sinusitis, ie not cured after 12 weeks of treatment, is associated with three subtypes of head and neck cancers. Sinusitis would become a risk factor because of the immunodeficiency and the inflammation it causes, explains Health Magazine which relates this study.
The researchers are still reassuring: “Despite the fact that people with chronic sinusitis have an increased risk of certain subtypes of neck and head cancers, the absolute risk of these cancers is low”. They also emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis. Indeed, the excess risk of cancer would be greatly reduced if sinusitis is treated within 12 months of the onset of symptoms. After the age of 65, it is therefore preferable to consult quickly when a cold is accompanied by pain in the face, or if one is subject to recurrent episodes of inflammation of the sinuses.