Can stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer be cured?

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

Updated on November 05, 2024

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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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Can nasopharyngeal carcinoma be treated with surgery?

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the nasopharynx, which is mainly found in coastal and Guangdong areas, and is more common among Mongoloid races. The treatment methods for nasopharyngeal cancer include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and combined chemoradiotherapy. If the tumor does not disappear after combined chemoradiotherapy and is insensitive to drugs, surgery can be considered. Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for nasopharyngeal cancer; the first-choice treatments are radiotherapy and combined chemoradiotherapy, which are very effective and have a high five-year survival rate. If the cancer is insensitive to radiation and drugs, surgical treatment can be an option in such cases.

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Causes of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology, ranking first in incidence among otolaryngological diseases. The main causes are often associated with the patient's long-term chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity, smoking, drinking, and other bad habits. For patients with nasal cancer, it is mainly about avoiding exposure to irritating gases and abstaining from smoking and drinking in daily life to prevent the occurrence of nasal cancer. Additionally, we can use electronic nasopharyngoscopy, electronic laryngoscopy, and blood system EB virus tests, among others, to exclude nasopharyngeal carcinoma. If local tumor proliferation is found in the pharyngeal recess or nasopharynx, biopsy forceps can be used to remove the patient's tumor for pathological examination and diagnosis.

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Oncology

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What causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

The specific cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of malignant tumor, is currently unclear, but it is considered to be related to some high-risk factors that may lead to the occurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer. Firstly, there are cases of EB virus infections in the nasopharyngeal area. The long-term stimulation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa by this virus leads to hyperplasia of the mucosa, which can become malignant and eventually form nasopharyngeal cancer. Additionally, some clinical studies suggest that the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is related to genetic factors, indicating a genetic predisposition to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which leads to its development. Furthermore, some considerations involve external carcinogenic factors affecting the nasopharyngeal area, such as long-term smoking or environmental air pollution, which can also lead to a high incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer.

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Otolaryngology

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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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The Difference between Nasopharyngitis and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The differences between nasopharyngitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma are very clear. Firstly, nasopharyngitis is an acute inflammatory irritation, while the cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is currently unknown, generally associated directly with EB virus infection. Secondly, their clinical manifestations are different. Patients with nasopharyngitis may experience dryness and pain in the nasopharyngeal area, and yellow secretions may occur when clearing the throat in the morning. In contrast, nasopharyngeal carcinoma typically presents as a painless mass. During examination with a nasopharyngoscope, the surface of nasopharyngitis is congested and swollen, whereas in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers can be found at the top of the nasopharynx or near the pharyngeal recess. A local pathological examination can reveal symptoms and clarify the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, nasopharyngitis requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, while nasopharyngeal carcinoma requires local radiotherapy or chemotherapy.