Treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 11, 2025
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Nasopharyngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. The most commonly used treatment method is primarily radiotherapy, and some patients also need to combine chemotherapy. Overall, most patients can be controlled and relieved after comprehensive treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Existing clinical evidence shows that for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer, some patients may consider surgical treatment. However, the indications for surgery are quite narrow and can only be carried out in top hospitals. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is necessary before further determination and implementation can be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer be cured?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. If it is stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma, achieving clinical cure is very difficult; only a small portion of patients have the chance to achieve clinical cure, as stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma is considered advanced. The current common treatments are a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. During the treatment process, regular reviews are necessary to observe the effects of the treatment. Some patients respond well to the treatment, and the tumor can be completely eliminated after treatment; however, for some patients, the treatment can only control the rapid growth of the tumor, not completely eradicate it. Even if the tumor completely subsides, there might still be a chance of local recurrence or distant metastasis after the treatment ends.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
43sec home-news-image

Treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. The most commonly used treatment method is primarily radiotherapy, and some patients also need to combine chemotherapy. Overall, most patients can be controlled and relieved after comprehensive treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Existing clinical evidence shows that for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer, some patients may consider surgical treatment. However, the indications for surgery are quite narrow and can only be carried out in top hospitals. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is necessary before further determination and implementation can be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

How should nasopharyngeal carcinoma be examined?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common otolaryngological disease and is also considered as one of the common head and neck malignant tumors. For diagnosis, an initial examination that can be conducted is nasopharyngoscopy. Through nasopharyngeal endoscopy, most patients can see changes in the nasopharynx due to new growths, which suggests considering a pathological biopsy test. This helps in obtaining a pathological diagnosis and allows for analysis and typing of the pathology. At the same time, imaging exams are necessary, with nasopharyngeal CT or MRI being commonly used. Additionally, it is recommended to test for the Epstein-Barr virus, as some patients’ condition could be a result of a long-term infection with this virus.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Early symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The symptoms of nasal cancer can be numerous. In the early stages, symptoms might not be apparent because the area affected is relatively small, which can make the symptoms unclear. Possible symptoms include bloody nasal discharge and poor nasal airflow. Some patients might experience a foreign body sensation in the nasopharyngeal area. The most important thing, however, is to use diagnostic aids to make an assessment. This can include a nasopharyngoscopy, an enhanced CT of the nasopharynx, or an enhanced MRI to preliminarily determine the presence of a tumor. If a tumor is suspected, it is possible to consider performing a biopsy and lab tests under endoscopy. Only after completing the biopsy and lab tests can it be confirmed whether it is nasopharyngeal cancer, and then further treatment plans can be considered.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of late-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a common malignancy in otolaryngology, primarily located in the nasopharyngeal area. In advanced stages, nasopharyngeal cancer manifests symptoms in two main aspects. One involves symptoms directly caused by the cancer or its metastasis, typically presenting as increased nasal masses, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, severe headaches, decreased hearing, and bleeding in the nasal area due to tumor cells or tissue eroding the internal carotid artery. Additionally, there is a foul smell from the nasopharyngeal area. The second aspect relates to systemic symptoms due to the growth of nasopharyngeal cancer, leading to poor overall nutritional status and cachexia, characterized by extreme emaciation. There is also the potential for distant metastasis of the tumor cells, presenting symptoms in the corresponding areas.