Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare form of cancer that can be difficult to detect in its early stages. It originates in the nasopharynx and is often diagnosed in Asia, North Africa, and among the Inuit of Alaska. Symptoms include bloody nasal discharge, headache, double vision, nasal congestion, and a lump in the neck. The disease is linked to a diet high in preserved and salted meat, fish, and vegetables, and a family history of the disease or a health history that includes Epstein-Barr virus can increase the risk. Men are more likely to be affected than women, and most people with the disease are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 55.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is cancer of the nasopharynx, which is the area where the nasal passages and ear canals meet the upper part of the throat. Cancer in this part of the body differs from other cancers of the mouth or throat. It is a relatively rare form of cancer that can be difficult to detect in its early stages.
Typically, this form of cancer begins with mutation of the squamous cells of the nasopharynx. These mutations cause the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and the formation of tumors. A nasopharyngeal tumor can be difficult to see and require examination by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or otolaryngologist. Often, the ENT doctor will insert an endoscope through the nose or throat to look behind the patient’s soft palate.
Nasopharynx cancer should not be confused with oral cancer, throat cancer, or sinus cancer, which start in the sinuses or nasal cavity. While it falls under the category of head and neck cancer, that classification encompasses a range of cancers that all start in the mucous linings of the mouth, nose, and throat. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a specific condition, which originates in the nasopharynx.
There are few, if any, symptoms of early nasopharyngeal carcinoma or NPC. This is one reason why the condition can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they include a bloody nasal discharge, headache, double vision, nasal congestion on only one side of the nose, and a lump in the neck caused by an enlarged lymph node. Hearing loss in one ear can also indicate the disease. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare cancer in most parts of the world. It is most frequently diagnosed in Asia, North Africa and among the Inuit of Alaska. Some researchers have noted similar diets among these populations in that they all typically include a diet high in preserved and salted meat, fish, and vegetables. One theory as to why these foods may increase your risk is based on repeated inhalation of chemicals given off when cooking nitrate-rich foods.
While Asian people have the highest incidence of the disease, Asians who consume a Western diet are less likely to develop nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This, according to some experts, reinforces the food theory. A family history of the disease also increases your risk, as does a health history that includes Epstein-Barr virus. Although the reasons for the connection are unknown, medical studies have revealed traces of the Epstein-Barr virus in almost all cancer cells of the nasopharynx.
Men are affected more often by cancer of the nasopharynx than women. Most people with the disease are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 55. It is known, however, that this type of cancer also sometimes occurs in African children.
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