Rhinology
Nose, nasal, and sinus problems affect more than your breathing—they keep you from the activities you love. At Penn Medicine, an expert team offers the latest non-surgical therapies and minimally invasive treatments for lasting relief.
Advanced rhinology services from the region’s top experts
Penn Medicine’s rhinology specialists care for the full spectrum of nasal and sinus disorders, ranging from common conditions such as sinusitis to complex skull base tumors and nasal cancers. Our multispecialty approach to rhinology brings together experts from multiple fields to ensure you receive the care you need. Fellowship-trained rhinologists (nose and sinus specialists) collaborate with head and neck surgeons, neurosurgeons, allergists, oncologists, and other specialists as needed to diagnose and treat your condition using the least invasive approach possible.
If you’re managing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to get help:
- Congestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive mucus
- Headaches
- Nose bleeds
- Pressure or pain in your face or sinuses
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Runny nose
Clinical trials
Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.
Second opinions
If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.
Diagnosis and evaluation of rhinology conditions
Rhinologists at Penn Medicine evaluate all types of nasal and sinus diseases. They routinely diagnose uncommon and hard-to-treat conditions that other centers may see only once or twice a year. We make every effort to do all the tests you need in one appointment to save you the time and stress of multiple visits.
Diagnostic tests for rhinology conditions may include CT scan, MRI, or nasal endoscopy. Endoscopy lets us look inside your nasal passages and sinuses using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera.
Our leading-edge diagnostic technology makes tests as precise as possible, minimizing the chances of false positives and repeat testing. Many of our exam rooms are equipped with high-definition monitors that allow you and your doctor to accurately view abnormalities within the sinus area while performing diagnostic tests.
Specialized expertise in paranasal sinus and nasal cavity tumors
We treat the full range of benign (non-cancerous) and cancerous tumors in the head and neck, including rare nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers. We also care for skull base tumors (located beneath your brain and behind your eyes and nose) and pituitary tumors.
Because the sinuses are so close to your brain, eyes, and vital nerves, treating tumors in this region requires a high level of surgical skill. At Penn Medicine, we use the latest image-guided techniques and intraoperative monitoring to safely remove tumors while minimizing the impact on nearby structures.
Nasal and sinus conditions we treat
Sinus and nasal disorder treatment at Penn Medicine
Whenever possible, we treat nose and sinus disorders using non-surgical therapies. You may benefit from antibiotics, steroids, nasal sprays, inhalers, or allergy shots.
Some conditions require multidisciplinary care. AERD, a respiratory condition that causes asthma, nasal polyps, and a sensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be difficult to treat. For people with AERD, we offer aspirin desensitization at our AERD Center, the only one of its kind in the region. In some cases, we combine medical therapies with surgery for the best results.
We also specialize in complex sinus revision surgery for difficult-to-treat cases. If you’ve previously had sinus surgery at another facility and your symptoms have returned, we can help. Because the paranasal sinuses are so close to the eyes and brain, less experienced surgeons may not fully address disease in this area. Our rhinologists have specialized expertise and state-of-the-art surgical equipment that enables them to operate safely in these challenging areas of the sinuses.
Rhinology surgeons at Penn Medicine have pioneered advanced techniques for the nose and sinuses. Our expertise in endoscopic and other minimally invasive surgical procedures is recognized regionally and nationally. These treatments reduce the risk of side effects and help you recover faster and with less pain than traditional nasal surgeries.
Our treatments include:
Advanced rhinology care at Penn Medicine
When you turn to Penn Medicine, you’ll find:
- High volume, excellent outcomes: We see numerous complex nose and sinus conditions, giving our rhinologists a unique depth of experience. They have a proven track record of excellent results for people with rare or advanced diseases.
- Individualized approach: Nose and sinus conditions affect everyone differently. Whether you want to get a better night’s sleep or get back to training for a marathon, we can design a treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.
- Research and clinical trials: In collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Penn Medicine has created a dedicated tumor and gene bank for sinonasal and skull base tumors. This resource allows us to study and develop new treatments that target the unique genetic profiles of tumors.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.