Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis, Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating from the nasopharyngeal epithelium with the most common predilection in the Rosenmuller fossa.. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma ranks 23rd out of all malignant cancers in the world.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma can be cured, especially if detected early. However, the measures taken to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma can vary, depending on the history of the disease, the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, and the condition of the patient in general. Nasopharyngeal cancer is more dangerous if not treated immediately or not treated properly. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma can attack the respiratory tract at the top of the throat and the back of the nose.

Definition

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of malignant cancer that appears in the nasopharyngeal area (the area above the throat and behind the nose).

Epidemiology

According to GLOBOCAN, 2012, every year there are 87,000 new cases and 51,000 deaths from NPC. Among them, men experience greater incidences than women.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Causes

What causes gene mutations is not known for certain.

Even so, the Epstein-Barr virus has been confirmed to be the cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Risk Factors

Heredity

First-degree relatives (including parents, siblings, and children) of patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma have a higher risk of developing the same cancer when compared to others.

Diet

The Chinese rank number one with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the world, with higher incidence rates in the South China and Hong Kong regions, which may be linked to a tendency to eat salted and pickle fish. Experiments conducted on animals also showed that excessive intake of salted fish can cause nose cancer.

Lifestyle

Smo**kers may have a slightly higher risk of developing Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Other Risk Factors

1. Female Gender
2. Asian and North African races
3. Age 25-50 years
4. Preserved food
5. Genetic factors
6. Drinking Alco**hol.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Symptoms

In the early stages, nasopharyngeal carcinoma may not cause any symptoms.

Symptoms that may be seen from nasopharyngeal carcinoma include:

• Headache
• Pain in the face and around the eyes
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Stuffy nose
• Strep throat
• Difficulty breathing and talking
• Lumps in the neck caused by swollen lymph nodes
• Ringing ears
• Ear pain
• Ears feel full.
• Blood in saliva
• Hearing loss
• Frequent ear infections
• Sore throat.

Read more:
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Diagnosis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is difficult to diagnose early, because it is hidden so that sufferers do not come immediately for treatment. 

Diagnosis of NPC can be supported by nasoendoscopy (Nasal Endoscopic examination), imaging examination with Computed Tomography (CT) Scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Histopathological examination of nasopharyngeal biopsy is the standard for establishing a diagnosis. In addition to nasopharyngeal biopsy, other ways of retrieving materials for histology examination are nasopharyngeal washing, suction, and brushes.

Prevention

Eating fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of NPC.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment

Therapy can include radiation, chemotherapy, a combination of both, and it is supported with therapy to reduce the symptoms according to the doctor’s decision.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Prognosis

The prognosis of NPC depends on several factors, namely the aggressiveness of tumor cells, which are assessed based on tumor expansion, spread to the lymph gland, and distant metastases, as well as the characteristics of the patient, namely age, race, and gender. NPC’s histopathological classification based on the World Health Organization (WHO) also affects prognosis.