General Information About Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Key Points for This Section
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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 pharynx (throat)
behind the nose. The pharynx is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts
behind the nose and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes from the throat to
the stomach). Air and food pass
through the pharynx on the way to the trachea or the esophagus. The nostrils
lead into the nasopharynx. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads
into an ear. Nasopharyngeal cancer most commonly
starts in the squamous cells that
line the oropharynx (the part of the
throat behind the mouth).
Ethnic background and exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus can
affect the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer.
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors may include
the following:
- Chinese or Asian ancestry.
- Exposure to the Epstein-Barr
virus: The Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with certain
cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and some lymphomas.
Possible signs of nasopharyngeal cancer include trouble
breathing, speaking, or hearing.
These and other symptoms may be caused by nasopharyngeal cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following
problems occur:
- A lump in the nose or neck.
- A sore throat.
- Trouble breathing or speaking.
- Nosebleeds.
- Trouble hearing.
- Pain or ringing in the ear.
- Headaches.
Tests that examine the nose and throat are used to detect
(find) and diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Physical exam of the throat: An exam in which
the doctor feels for swollen lymph
nodes in the neck and looks down the throat with a small,
long-handled mirror to check for abnormal areas.
- Nasoscopy: A procedure to look inside the nose for abnormal areas. A nasoscope is inserted through the nose. A nasoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
- Neurological exam: A series of questions and tests to check the brain, spinal cord, and nerve function. The exam checks a person’s mental status, coordination, and ability to walk normally, and how well the muscles, senses, and reflexes work. This may also be called a neuro exam or a neurologic exam.
- Head and chest x-rays: An x-ray of the skull and organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
- MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
- CT scan (CAT scan):
A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
- PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do. PET scans may be used to find nasopharyngeal cancers that have spread to the bone.
- Laboratory tests: Medical procedures that test samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances in the body. These tests help to diagnose disease, plan and check treatment, or monitor the disease over time.
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on
the following:
- The stage of the cancer (whether it affects part of
the nasopharynx, involves the whole nasopharynx, or has spread to other places
in the body).
- The type of nasopharyngeal cancer.
- The size of the tumor.
- The patient’s age and
general health.
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