Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops in the nasopharynx, located behind the nasal cavity and at the upper part of the throat. It has a strong association with the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

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ℹWhat is Nasopharyngeal Cancer?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a distinct subtype of head and neck cancers. Because the region is rich in lymphatic tissue, it has a high tendency to spread rapidly to the lymph nodes.

There are three types:

Type 1: Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma (associated with smoking/alcohol).
Type 2: Non-keratinizing Differentiated Carcinoma.
Type 3: Non-keratinizing Undifferentiated Carcinoma (the most common type, strongest link to EBV, and shows the best response to radiotherapy).

Common Symptoms

Neck Mass

A single, painless neck mass discovered incidentally is often one of the first signs. Any new neck mass persisting for more than 2 weeks should be considered malignant until proven otherwise.

Hoarseness

Changes in voice quality.

Difficulty Swallowing

Dysphagia or pain during swallowing (odynophagia).

Ear Pain (Otalgia)

Unilateral serous otitis media.

Nasal Obstruction and Bleeding

Single or double-sided nasal congestion and epistaxis.

Headache and Facial Pain

Often associated with the tumor spreading to the skull base.

Diagnosis Methods

Physical Examination

Comprehensive head and neck examination, otological exam, nasal endoscopy, and inspection of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

Flexible Laryngoscopy

Detailed examination of the base of the tongue, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.

Biopsy

Histological diagnosis via endoscopic biopsy of the nasopharyngeal mass.

EBV Testing

Laboratory analysis for the Epstein-Barr Virus.

CT and MRI

Used to evaluate bone invasion, soft tissue involvement, and lymph node spread.

PET-CT

Crucial for determining lymph node involvement and distant metastasis.

Treatments

Radiotherapy

The primary treatment method for nasopharyngeal cancers. These tumors are highly radiosensitive.

Chemotherapy

Cisplatin is commonly used concurrently with radiotherapy.

Surgery (Nasopharyngectomy)

May be performed via endoscopic or open surgery in cases of local recurrence or treatment failure.

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