Nasopharyngeal cancer or NPC is cancer of the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat, which lies behind the nose and close to the base of skull.
What is the nasopharynx?
The nasopharynx is a box-like chamber that is the upper part of the throat (pharynx). It lies behind the nose, just above the soft palate or mouth roof and behind the nasal passages. It acts as a passageway, which transports air from the nose to the throat and the lungs.
Nasopharyngeal cancer
The Nasopharynx contains many different types of tissues and cells. Healthy cells can mutate and turn abnormal in any of these cells. Typically, nasopharyngeal cancer originates in the squamous cells that line the surface of the nasopharynx. Based on the origination of the mutation, the nasopharyngeal cancer is categorized. This categorization is important as it determines the seriousness of the cancer and the type of treatment needed.
Type I: Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Type II: Non-Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Type III: Undifferentiated Carcinoma
This classification is based on World Health Organization grading system.
Nasopharyngeal cancer Symptoms
Nasopharyngeal cancer is difficult to detect early. This is partially due to the location of the nasopharnyx and partially due to the similarity of symptoms that are common to other diseases. The following symptoms can be signs of nasopharyngeal cancer:
What is the nasopharynx?
The nasopharynx is a box-like chamber that is the upper part of the throat (pharynx). It lies behind the nose, just above the soft palate or mouth roof and behind the nasal passages. It acts as a passageway, which transports air from the nose to the throat and the lungs.
Nasopharyngeal cancer
The Nasopharynx contains many different types of tissues and cells. Healthy cells can mutate and turn abnormal in any of these cells. Typically, nasopharyngeal cancer originates in the squamous cells that line the surface of the nasopharynx. Based on the origination of the mutation, the nasopharyngeal cancer is categorized. This categorization is important as it determines the seriousness of the cancer and the type of treatment needed.
Type I: Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Type II: Non-Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Type III: Undifferentiated Carcinoma
This classification is based on World Health Organization grading system.
Nasopharyngeal cancer Symptoms
Nasopharyngeal cancer is difficult to detect early. This is partially due to the location of the nasopharnyx and partially due to the similarity of symptoms that are common to other diseases. The following symptoms can be signs of nasopharyngeal cancer:
- Frequent headaches
- Recurrent ear infections
- Loss of hearing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lump on the neck
- Bloody saliva
- Bloody nasal discharge
- Nasal congestion
A combination of the following symptoms will be seen as the disease spreads and advances.
Who’s at risk?
The following criterion increases the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer:
Gender: Nasopharyngeal cancer is more prevalent in men compared to women.
Race: The occurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer is subjective of the races. It affects Asians, North Africans and Inuits more than any other race.
Age: Nasopharyngeal cancer does not discriminate between ages. However, individuals between 30 to 50 are more likely to be diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer.
Genetic: Just like many other forms of cancer, the individuals with family history of nasopharyngeal cancer are at greater risk.
Epstein-Barr virus: The Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus whose symptoms are similar to a cold. It can also cause infectious mononucleosis. Contraction of this virus can increase the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer.
Cancer is one such condition wherein the symptoms if overlooked can prove fatal to the life of the individual. Regular check-up has to be done to ensure healthy life.