Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Risk Factors

Unlike most head and neck cancers, tobacco and alcohol use are not primary factors in causing nasopharyngeal cancer. Men have a higher risk, as do people of Asian descent (it is very prevalent in certain provinces in China and in Hong Kong). There is direct correlation with history of exposure with the Epstein-Barr virus, which plays a role in causing this type of cancer.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are hearing loss, nasal congestion, facial pain, poor appetite, weight loss and nosebleeds. However, many patients may have no symptoms at all. Your physician will perform a flexible endoscopy, which is where a tube-like camera is used to look inside the nose and then further back in the nasopharynx. If a tumor is suspected, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be obtained. In addition, diagnostic imaging may be performed, such as a CAT scan, MRI and/or PET scan.

Treatment

The primary mode of therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer is radiation therapy that is most often combined with chemotherapy. This type of combination therapy is called concurrent chemo-radiation therapy. Surgery is used in rare exceptional cases or if the tumor returns after chemo-radiation. If the decision has been made to treat this tumor surgically, we use a multiple-specialty approach that makes it possible to both remove the cancer and reconstruct the area. Close follow up of patients on a regular basis is imperative for a variety of reasons: 1. The treatments are often rigorous and the effects are profound both physically and psychologically; a close relationship between the patient and the head & neck surgeon assures all the early and late side effects of therapy are dealt with appropriately, and some even avoided. 2. Close monitoring and appropriate surveillance allows early detection of a cancer if it recurs, thus allowing us to have an opportunity to successfully treat the tumor, and also detect it early enough so that the treatment may be minimal.