About Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Overview

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. It is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the windpipe and esophagus. The nostrils lead into the nasopharynx, and there are openings on each side that lead into the ears. Nasopharyngeal cancer most commonly starts in the squamous cells that line the nasopharynx. Ethnic background and exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus can affect the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer. Signs of nasopharyngeal cancer may include trouble breathing, speaking, or hearing. Tests that examine the nose, throat, and nearby organs are used to diagnose and stage nasopharyngeal cancer. Prognosis and treatment options can be influenced by certain factors.

Causes and Risk Factors

Nasopharyngeal cancer is influenced by both non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors.

Non-modifiable risk factors of nasopharyngeal cancer (factors a person can’t change or control):

• Age: Nasopharyngeal cancer can occur at any age; however it is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old..
• Sex: Nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in males than in females
• Genetic predispositions: A positive family history of nasopharyngeal cancer or other related cancers can increase the risk.
• Race: People living in Southeast Asia, southern China, and northern Africa have a higher risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Modifiable risk factors of nasopharyngeal cancer (factors a person potentially can change or control):

• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Having Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): EBV is a highly contagious virus spread through saliva or other bodily fluids
• Dietary Habits: People who regularly eat salt-cured meat and fish
• Dust and smoke exposures: Exposure to occupational hazards or pollutants may also play a role.

It's important to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your individual situation.

Symptoms

Symptom of nasopharyngeal cancer include:

• Difficulty speaking
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Headaches
• A lump in the nose or neck
• Problems breathing
• Hearing ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• A sore throat that does not go away.

As nasopharyngeal cancer progresses or reaches a higher severity, additional symptoms may occur. These can include

• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes in voice or hoarseness
• Facial numbness or pain
• Double vision
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person. If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about nasopharyngeal cancer, it's best to consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Diagnosis

To diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:

• Physical exam and health history: This includes checking for signs of disease, such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and taking a history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses.
• Neurological exam: A series of questions and tests to check brain, spinal cord, and nerve function. This checks mental status, coordination, ability to walk normally, and muscle function.
• Imaging scans: These may include chest x-ray, PET-CT scan (a combination of PET and CT scans), and CT scan (CAT scan) to obtain detailed pictures of the body to look for tumors or atypical characteristics.
• Blood samples: Complete blood count or blood chemistry study may be ordered to assess overall health and look for signs ofconditions that could be causing symptoms..

It's important to consult with your doctor about these examinations, tests, and procedures as they can provide personalized guidance based on your individual situation.

Treatment Options

The primary goal of treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer is to eliminate or control the cancer as much as possible.

Treatment options include:

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the tumor or affected lymph nodes. This is more common in early-stage cancers.
• Radiation Therapy: It uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. External beam radiation therapy is commonly used for nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Chemotherapy: It involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy to increase effectiveness.
• Targeted Therapy: This type of medication targets specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth. It can help stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells.
• Clinical trials: Participation in clinical trials may be an option to explore new treatments and contribute to medical research.

Health behavior changes that may be recommended include:

• Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
• Moderation of alcohol consumption.

Other treatments that may be recommended include:

• Rehabilitation exercises: These exercises can help improve physical function and quality of life during and after treatment.

Each treatment works towards achieving the goals of eliminating or controlling the cancer by targeting and killing cancer cells, shrinking tumors, or preventing their growth. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding specific treatments and their potential benefits.