Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a cancer that arises from the epithelium of the nasopharynx, which is located behind your nose and above the back of your throat.

It occurs more in certain part of the world, mostly in China and South East Asia. In Malaysia it is ranked as the 4^th most common cancer. It is more common in Chinese, follow by natives of Sarawak and Sabah and Malays.

Risk Factors

Researchers have identified some factors that appear to increase your risk of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma, including:

Sex. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is more common in men than it is in women.
Race. This type of cancer more commonly affects people in parts of China, Southeast Asia and northern Africa
Age. Nasopharyngeal cancer can occur at any age, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
Salt-cured foods. Due to accumulation of high levels of nitrosamines, which have a carcinogenic effect on multiple organs
Epstein-Barr virus. This common virus usually produces mild signs and symptoms, such as those of a cold. Sometimes it can cause infectious mononucleosis. The Epstein-Barr virus is also linked to several rare cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Family history. Having a family member with nasopharyngeal carcinoma increases your risk of the disease.
Alcohol and tobacco. Heavy alcohol intake and tobacco use can raise your risk of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Symptoms of NPC

Tinnitus / Unilateral Hearing lost
Nose block
Epistaxis
Headache
Neck lump
Blurring of vision

When you see an ENT specialist, they will get history, proceed with a thorough examination of you which includes physical examination, ENT examination and cranial nerve examination. A scope will be introduced into the nose to visualise the nasopharynx. Further investigation might be order for example blood investigation, and imaging.

If there is a suspicion of a cancer, biopsy is required to be taken to confirm the diagnosis of the cancer.

Once the biopsy result is confirmed to be NPC. A staging of the cancer will have to be carried out. This might include full body CT imaging, PET- CT scans and MRI.

NPC treatment includes:

Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Surgery

In general, patients diagnosed with early-stage NPC tend to have better 5-year survival rates compared to those diagnosed at later stages. However, with advancements in diagnostic and treatment approaches, outcomes for some patients have improved over time.

As a most famous Greek Philosopher once said, the only constant is change. Nothing in life is predictable. Especially in cancer where a diagnosis of it will bring about a sudden change in our lives. Battling cancer is never easy however an early diagnosis and intervention will be able to give a better prognosis. With support from family, friends and also doctor and nurses it will make it easier.

So if there is any uncertainty or query do not hesitate to go to the nearest ENT surgeon.

Article by,

Dr. Leong Kwong Yew
Consultant Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT), Head & Neck Surgeon