Is nasopharyngeal carcinoma contagious?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma currently has no definite transmissibility, and the exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is not particularly clear. Clinical studies have shown that there is a certain relationship between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and EB virus infection, but it may also be related to other factors, such as familial heredity or living environment. Exposure to radioactive or chemical substances may also have a certain impact. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that there is genetic or absolute contagion. Overall, in terms of treatment, radiotherapy is mainly used, and some patients need to be combined with chemotherapy. Generally, the five-year survival rate is relatively high among early-stage patients. If the disease staging is later and the differentiation is poor, the treatment difficulty and treatment effect are relatively worse.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What is nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common malignant tumor in the nasopharyngeal area, and the main pathological type is predominantly squamous carcinoma, most of which are poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas, constituting the most common malignant tumor in the nasopharyngeal area. Currently, the primary treatment option is radiotherapy, which is the most important; some patients may need to consider concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy. If drug and radiotherapy treatments are ineffective, or if there is cervical lymph node metastasis, and for some patients where chemoradiotherapy fails with residual lesions, surgery may be considered. However, currently, the surgical treatment approach is generally not very mature and is somewhat controversial, thus it requires treatment at major hospitals.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Where is the best place to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma currently mainly considers radiation therapy and chemotherapy, with radiation therapy as the primary treatment. It requires staging and typing based on different ranges of lesions and pathological biopsy types. After determining the stage and type, further radiation and chemotherapy plans can be established. At present, radiation therapy is the most important. Most patients need concurrent chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy and require regular follow-ups. For some patients with cervical lymph node metastasis or recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation therapy, who cannot undergo radiation or chemotherapy again or for whom radiation and chemotherapy have failed, surgery may be considered. However, surgery is generally not the first choice and its effectiveness is not particularly certain.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Is nasopharyngeal cancer hereditary?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the nasopharynx, primarily found in regions populated by Mongoloid races, and is particularly common in coastal areas or in Guangdong and Guangxi regions. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma has a genetic component, meaning if you have a family history of this cancer, your chances and your descendants' chances of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma are higher compared to those without such a family history. However, having a family history does not guarantee the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, nor does the absence of a family history ensure one will not get it. Under such circumstances, patients with a family history should regularly check their nasopharynx and consider whether there are traces of blood in the first sputum they cough up in the morning, which might indicate a malignancy in the nasopharynx. In such cases, performing a nasopharyngoscopy can generally clarify the presence or absence of a tumor.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does nasopharyngeal carcinoma cause coughing?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of malignancy in the head and neck area, and a small number of patients may experience coughing, mainly because the secretions from the nasopharyngeal carcinoma can enter the throat through the posterior nasal aperture, causing an irritative cough. Overall, the occurrence of this symptom is relatively rare. More common symptoms include nasal congestion, bloody nasal discharge, with some patients experiencing headaches or enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and changes in vision. After diagnosis, it is recommended to visit the otolaryngology or oncology departments promptly to assess the severity of the condition. Most patients need to consider radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor treatment outcomes.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor that occurs in the nasopharyngeal area. Typically, nasopharyngeal carcinoma often occurs at the top of the nasopharynx and on the lateral walls of the rhinitis. In the early stages, patients may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, and upon waking, they might have yellow or bloody discharge. In severe cases, the patient may also experience symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. If a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, they should first visit a hospital for an electronic nasopharyngoscopy. This can reveal the presence of cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers in any part of the nasopharynx. If such findings are observed, a local pathology biopsy is needed. If it is confirmed to be a malignant tumor of the nasopharynx, relevant radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments are required. Additionally, the patient should also undergo regular systemic examinations to check for distant metastases.