Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Symptoms and Concerns

Blood-streaked nasal mucus issue?

Hello, doctor.
I was hospitalized recently due to a continuous fever for five days, with temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius.
I was treated with antibiotics, which helped reduce the fever.
The hospital could not determine the cause of the fever, but a CT scan revealed four non-painful lymph nodes in my right neck, which have been present for about a month.
The hospital advised me to monitor the situation for another month before returning for a follow-up.
A biopsy was not performed.

About three days after being discharged, I started experiencing nasal congestion, feeling like I can't clear my nose, and there are some blood-tinged mucus.
I have unilateral nasal congestion that is beginning to affect my sleep, and my vision has started to decline.
When I shine a light in my nose, I see a white layer that appears swollen and red.
I would like to know if this could be a symptom of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Would visiting a general clinic delay my treatment? Initially, my blood tests indicated low white blood cell counts and elevated inflammatory markers.
If these symptoms are indicative of nasopharyngeal cancer, what stage might it be leaning towards? Is there a possibility of a cure without surgery? Thank you, doctor.

Ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/25

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, I can sense your concern about having cancer.
Based on your age and symptoms, it is likely that you are experiencing a respiratory infection, and these symptoms are probably complications of that infection rather than indicative of nasopharyngeal cancer.
However, if your symptoms persist and you are very worried, it would be advisable to consider visiting a larger hospital's otolaryngology department for further biopsy examination.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2017/05/25

More Info

Understanding blood-streaked nasal discharge can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, changes in vision, and a history of fever and lymphadenopathy. Based on your description, it is essential to consider several factors that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Firstly, the presence of blood in your nasal discharge, especially if it is accompanied by nasal congestion and a sensation of obstruction, may indicate irritation or damage to the nasal mucosa. This can occur due to various reasons, including dry air, frequent nose blowing, or underlying conditions such as sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. Given your recent hospitalization for a prolonged fever and the discovery of enlarged lymph nodes, it is crucial to monitor these symptoms closely.

The fact that you have been experiencing persistent nasal congestion and blood-streaked discharge, along with a white layer in your nasal cavity, raises the possibility of an infection, such as sinusitis. Sinus infections can lead to inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, resulting in nasal obstruction and discharge that may contain blood due to the rupture of small blood vessels in the inflamed mucosa. Additionally, the presence of a white layer could suggest a fungal infection or a severe bacterial infection, which would require prompt medical evaluation.

Regarding your concerns about nasopharyngeal cancer, while it is a possibility, it is essential to approach this with caution. Nasopharyngeal cancer can present with symptoms such as nasal obstruction, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and cervical lymphadenopathy. However, these symptoms can also be attributed to more benign conditions, such as infections or inflammatory processes. The staging of nasopharyngeal cancer typically involves imaging studies and biopsy for definitive diagnosis. If cancer were the cause, the stage would depend on various factors, including the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.

It is understandable to be concerned about delays in diagnosis. If you feel that your symptoms are worsening or if you experience new symptoms such as significant changes in vision, severe headaches, or persistent pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. A thorough examination by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is warranted, as they can perform a nasal endoscopy to visualize the nasal passages and nasopharynx directly. This procedure can help identify any abnormalities, including tumors, infections, or other conditions that may require treatment.

In summary, while your symptoms could potentially indicate a serious condition such as nasopharyngeal cancer, they could also be related to more common issues like sinusitis or nasal mucosal irritation. It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider, preferably an ENT specialist, to obtain a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to addressing any underlying issues effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Causes and Concerns

Hello Dr. Zheng, I have been experiencing a runny nose and throat phlegm since early December. In the mornings, I typically have light yellow-green nasal mucus and phlegm, which turns clear by the afternoon. Occasionally, I notice long-accumulated yellow mucus with slight brownis...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
There are many factors that can cause hemoptysis. Common causes can be categorized into the upper respiratory tract, including the nasal cavity and oral cavity, or the lower respiratory tract, such as the lungs. If an otolaryngologist performs an endoscopy and finds no obvious bl...

Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor, earlier this year, I had a few episodes of nasal discharge with blood and bloody crusts. After visiting the doctor several times, I was told that it appeared to be a wound and was given some ointment. It took a few weeks to heal, but recently, the symptoms of bloody...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It is common to experience bleeding from the nasal mucosa due to a ruptured nasal septum. If the bleeding persists or does not improve, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for confirmation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ...

Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus: When to See an ENT Specialist

I have a rather sensitive nose, and when I come into contact with dust or feel a chill in my body, I experience nasal congestion and runny nose. I often have a runny nose even when I am not sick, but it is not severe and does not affect my daily life. However, today when I blew m...

Dr. Cai Zhenggu reply Otolaryngology
Hello Way71: Based on your description, you are suffering from allergic rhinitis. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. During sneezing, the pressure in the nasal cavity increases rapidly, which can cause microvessels to rupture, re...

Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing blood-streaked nasal discharge for the past two weeks. In the first few days, there was a significant amount of blood, similar to a nosebleed, and now it has reduced to occasional slight streaks of blood. I recently traveled to Hong Kong a...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If you have previously undergone a nasopharyngoscopy, the likelihood of having a tumor should be low. Most cases of nosebleeds are primarily due to microvascular bleeding from the nasal septum. It is recommended to first manage nasal allergies or apply petroleum jelly to k...