How does nasopharyngeal cancer begin?
How does nasopharyngeal cancer begin?
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. It starts in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose and near the base of skull. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas.
How can nasopharyngeal cancer be prevented?
Many cases of nasopharygeal cancer are not preventable, but taking these steps may help lower your risk of nasopharyngeal cancer:
- Avoid salt-cured fish and meats.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink a lot of alcohol.
Where is nasopharyngeal cancer most common?
Nasopharyngeal (nay-zoh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul) carcinoma is cancer that occurs in the nasopharynx, which is located behind your nose and above the back of your throat. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is rare in the United States. It occurs much more frequently in other parts of the world — specifically Southeast Asia.
What are the signs of nasopharyngeal cancers?
Signs and Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
- Hearing loss, ringing in the ear, pain, or feeling of fullness in the ear (especially on one side only)
- Ear infections that keep coming back.
- Nasal blockage or stuffiness.
- Nosebleeds.
- Headaches.
- Facial pain or numbness.
- Trouble opening the mouth.
- Blurred or double vision.
Is nasopharyngeal cancer squamous cell?
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the nasopharynx. Symptoms develop late, including unilateral bloody nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, hearing loss, ear pain, facial swelling, and facial numbness.
Is nasopharynx cancer genetic?
The exact cause of most cases of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is not known. But scientists have found that it’s linked with certain diets, infections, and inherited characteristics.
Can smoking cause nasopharyngeal cancer?
There are 2 substances that greatly increase the risk of developing NPC: Tobacco. Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, is the single greatest risk factor for head and neck cancer.
Is nasopharynx cancer curable?
Many cancers of the nasopharynx can be cured, especially if they are found early. Descriptions of the common types of treatments used for NPC are listed below. Your care plan may also include treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care. The main treatment for NPC is radiation therapy.
What virus is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
In recent years, scientists have studied how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may cause cells in the nasopharynx to become cancer, but there’s still a lot to learn. In developed countries, most people infected with EBV have infectious mononucleosis (mono), and their immune system is able to recognize and destroy the virus.
What is the prognosis for nasopharyngeal cancer?
Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Statistics. The 5-year survival rate for people with NPC is 60%. For the earliest stage of NPC, stage I (1), the 5-year survival rate is 72%. About 9% of people with NPC are diagnosed at this stage. The 5-year survival rate for stage II (2) disease is 64% and stage III (3) disease is 62%.
What causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is caused by a combination of factors: viral, environmental influences, and heredity. The viral influence is associated with infection with Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV ). The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common viruses.
Can You Survive nasopharyngeal cancer?
Nasopharyngeal cancer can be successfully cured if caught early. If not, it is often fatal. Only 35 percent of people diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in the United States live longer than 5 years. If cured, you may be able to live out a normal life.
What are the stages of squamous cell cancer?
Stage 0 – Cancer is only present on the epidermis (the top layer of the skin).
