What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer? Causes, symptoms and treatment.

Nasopharyngeal cancer affects the tissue that connects the back of your nose to the back of your mouth. This area is called the nasopharynx, and it’s located at the base of your skull, just above the roof of your mouth. When you breathe through your nose, air flows through your nose, nasopharynx, and through your throat before reaching your lungs. Nasopharyngeal cancer begins when cells in this area begin to grow out of control.

What is the difference between nasopharyngeal cancer and lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects your immune system. This condition can begin anywhere in your body that has lymphatic tissue, including the nasopharynx. Nasopharyngeal cancer is different because it begins in the squamous cells that line the nasopharynx.

How does nasopharyngeal cancer affect my body?

While this type of cancer begins in the nasopharynx, it often spreads to other parts of the body. Cancer cells may travel to nearby lymph nodes (again, different from a type of cancer of the immune system like lymphoma) or to other organs, such as the lungs and liver.

What causes nasopharyngeal cancer?

Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes nasopharyngeal cancer. However, certain risk factors may increase your chances of developing the disease, including:

1. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) :- This is the same virus that causes mononucleosis. EBV is common in people with nasopharyngeal cancer. Even though the association between the two conditions is widely known, not all people with EBV will develop nasopharyngeal cancer.

2. Foods made with salt:- People who eat a diet rich in salt-rich meat and fish are more likely to develop nasopharyngeal cancer.

3. Alcohol and tobacco use: Heavy smoking or drinking can increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.

4. Age:- Although nasopharyngeal cancer can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in people between 30 and 50 years of age.

5. Race :– Nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in people living in Southeast Asia, Southern China, and North Africa. People who immigrated to the United States from Asia also have a higher risk than American-born Asians.

6. Gender :- Men are almost three times more likely to develop nasopharyngeal cancer than women.

7. Family history:- If any member of your family has had nasopharyngeal cancer, you are more likely to develop the condition.
What are some common symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer?

In most cases, people suffering from nasopharyngeal cancer notice a lump on the back of the neck. There may be one or multiple lumps, and they are usually not painful. These masses appear when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck and they become swollen.

There are many other warning signs like:-

1. Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears.

2. Deafness.

3. Feeling of fullness in the ears.

4. Headache.

5. Nasal stuffiness.

6. Nosebleeds.

7. Difficulty in opening your mouth.

8. Facial pain.

9. Numbness of the face.

10. Difficulty breathing or speaking.

11. Ear infections that won’t go away.

Many symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are similar to those of other less serious diseases. As a result, the disease may be difficult to detect in its early stages. That’s why it’s important to schedule a checkup with your healthcare provider if you notice any of these problems.

How does nasopharyngeal cancer spread?

Once the main tumor forms in the nasopharynx, cancer cells usually spread to nearby lymph nodes in the neck. Next, the cancer spreads to distant areas of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or other lymph nodes.

The stage of nasopharyngeal cancer depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor and how far the cancer cells have spread. Here is a general outline of the stages of nasopharyngeal cancer:

• Stage 0: Cancer affects only the top layer of cells inside the nasopharynx.

• Stage 1: The tumor has grown into nearby structures, such as the back of the throat or the nasal cavity.

• Stage 2: In this stage, the cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes on one side of the neck.

• Stage 3: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes on both sides of the neck.

• Stage 4: The tumor has spread to the skull, eyes, cranial nerves, salivary glands, or lower throat. At stage 4, nasopharyngeal cancer may have spread to distant parts of the body.

How is nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosed?

In the United States, nasopharyngeal cancer is usually diagnosed when a person visits their health care provider because of symptoms such as a blocked nose or a lump in the neck.

What tests will be used to diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer?

If your healthcare provider thinks you may have nasopharyngeal cancer, they will ask about your family history and perform a thorough physical examination. Your nasopharynx will be examined closely, as well as your head, neck, mouth, throat, nose, facial muscles, and lymph nodes. Your doctor may also perform a hearing test. Additionally, your health care provider may do the following:

1. Biopsy:- To find out if there are cancer cells in your nasopharynx, your healthcare provider will remove a small piece of tissue from the area. The sample is then sent to the laboratory so that it can be examined under a microscope.

2. CT scan:- Computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. This scan can show whether a tumor is present or not. It can also give your healthcare provider information about the size, shape, and location of the tumor.

3. MRI scan :- MRI uses magnets and radio waves to capture images of the inside of your body. This imaging test tells your healthcare provider if the cancer has spread to nearby structures.

4. PET test:- A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is taken after radioactive sugar is put into your blood. Cancer cells grow rapidly, so they produce a lot of sugar. absorb. As a result, these cells become temporarily radioactive and show up on a PET scan. Once the sugar is put into your blood, a special camera takes pictures of the radioactivity throughout your body. Your Health The provider may use a PET scan to determine whether the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes.

5. Chest X-ray :- If you have already been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, a chest X-ray can tell you whether the cancer has spread to your lungs or not. This usually does not happen until the cancer has progressed.

6. Epstein-Barr virus DNA level test: – Because nasopharyngeal cancer is often associated with Epstein-Barr virus, you will be tested to measure blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus DNA. .

Note: Nasopharyngeal cancer screening is not commonly performed because the disease is so rare. However, in other areas of the world, such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, people are routinely screened for the disease.

How is nasopharyngeal cancer treated?

Specific treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Once you receive a diagnosis, your team will explore treatment options with you. Treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer may include the following:-

1. Radiation therapy:- This treatment uses high-energy X-rays to slow or kill cancer cells. Nasopharyngeal cancer is particularly sensitive to radiation so this type of therapy is often used to treat the disease.

2. Chemotherapy:- Anti-cancer medicines are given either orally or intravenously. Because chemotherapy moves through the bloodstream, it is useful for cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

3. Chemoradiation :- In many cases of nasopharyngeal cancer, chemotherapy is used in combination with radiation therapy. This can make the effects of radiation stronger, but may also have more side effects.

4. Surgery :- In some cases, the tumor can be removed surgically. However, because the nasopharynx is a difficult area to operate on, surgery is not usually the main treatment option. However, surgery is sometimes used to remove lymph nodes in the neck that do not respond to other treatments.

5. Targeted drug therapy:- Some drugs can target certain types of cancer. People with nasopharyngeal cancer may benefit from cetuximab injection. Cetuximab is a synthetic version of an immune system protein. Targeted drug therapy is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

6. Immunotherapy:- This treatment boosts your own immune system to help detect and fight cancer cells. At present it remains largely experimental.

What are the side effects of nasopharyngeal cancer treatment?

Side effects vary depending on the type of nasopharyngeal cancer treatment you receive. Here are some of the most common side effects of each treatment type:

radiation therapy

1. Redness or irritation of the skin.

2. Chronic dry mouth.

3. Nausea.

4. Fatigue.

5. Mouth ulcers.

6. Difficulty in swallowing.

7. Bone pain.

8. Tooth decay.

9. Change in taste.

10. Deafness.

Chemotherapy

1. Fatigue.

2. Sea sickness and vomiting.

3. Chronic dry mouth.

4. Hair fall.

5. Constipation.

6. Diarrhea.

7. Loss of appetite.

8. Deafness.

Chemoradiation

1. Fatigue.

2. Mouth ulcers.

3. Flu-like symptoms.

4. Anemia.

5. Sea sickness and vomiting.

6. Hair fall.

7. Diarrhea.

8. Constipation.

9. Deafness.

10. Weakness

operation (surgery)

1. Damage to consciousness.

2. Swelling due to accumulation of fluid.

targeted drug therapy

1. Diarrhea.

2. Liver problem.

3. High blood pressure.

4. Problem of blood clotting.

5. Dry skin or rash.

immunotherapy

1. Redness of the skin.

2. Flu-like symptoms.

3. Headache.

4. Muscle pain.

5. Difficulty in breathing.

6. Sinus congestion.

7. Diarrhea.

8. Hormone changes.

9. Swelling in feet.

10. Cough.

Keep in mind that your symptoms may be different than someone else having the same type of treatment. Because side effects vary, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any problems you experience. They can find ways to ease your symptoms.

How long does it take to recover from nasopharyngeal cancer treatment?

The length of your care depends on the stage of the cancer and how well your body responds to treatment. Even after your treatment is complete, your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your health with regular tests and exams.

Can nasopharyngeal cancer be prevented?

Most of the known risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer cannot be controlled. Therefore, the disease cannot be prevented in most cases.

How can I reduce my risk of nasopharyngeal cancer?

Heavy alcohol and tobacco consumption is linked to many types of cancer. Avoiding these habits has many health benefits and may reduce the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer.

Note, do not take any medicine without doctor’s advice. Self-medication is life-threatening and can lead to serious medical conditions.