What causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Written by Yan Chun

Oncology

Updated on November 04, 2024

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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.

Other Voices

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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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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 Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma symptoms

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor located in the nasopharyngeal region, and it is primarily squamous cell carcinoma clinically. The clinical symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma mainly include bloody nasal discharge. Examination can reveal malignant neoplasms in the nasopharyngeal area. As the tumor grows, it can press on the posterior nasal aperture causing nasal congestion, and compression of the pharyngeal opening of the eustachian tube may lead to symptoms such as ear fullness and tinnitus. The tumor may spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, causing neck masses, and destroy adjacent tissue structures. For instance, if it spreads to the brain, it can cause brain pain, compress ocular tissues, and lead to symptoms like painful eye bulging.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

52sec

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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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Does nasopharyngeal carcinoma require surgery?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma generally does not consider surgery. For most patients with nasal cancer, radiotherapy is the first choice, and depending on the different stages, it may be necessary to consider concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy. The overall treatment plan primarily focuses on curative radiotherapy, and it also requires regular follow-ups to monitor recovery. If radiotherapy and chemotherapy fail or there is a recurrence, surgery may need to be considered in these cases, but the surgery is relatively difficult, and a detailed analysis of the patient's specific situation is required. Only a very small number of patients would be indicated for surgery.