Is Blood In Mucus A Sign Of Cancer?

Posted on Tue, 16 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 16 May 2017 Answered on

Wed, 7 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have blood in my sinus mucus everyday for nearly a year. Could this be a symptom of cancer?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
not a likely cause

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Blood in the mucus can be a symptom of cancer but this is much more likely to occur at an older age. Even in older persons, this is more likely due to inflammation/infection of the sinuses.

At your age, inflammation/infection of the sinuses is the most likely cause. You should consider seeing your doctor or an ENT specialist for assessment. An ENT specialist would be the best option because he or she can take an in depth look into the throat.

If inflammation is thought to be the cause, treatment may consist of regular use of an antihistamine/decongestant combinations.
Decongestants are used even if there are no nasal symptoms, it helps to reduce the post nasal drip.
eg are zyrtec d, allegra d, claritine d, benadryl d

In some , additional medication is needed such as singulair or ketotifen along with nasal sprays such as nasonex, nasocort, flonase, rhinocort

I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar