It is a condition where the squamous cells of the nasopharynx, the upper part of the pharynx behind the nose, become cancerous.
It is more prevalent after the age of 50, particularly in Asians and smokers who consume large amounts of alcohol. The Epstein Barr virus and the consumption of very hot drinks also appear to contribute to its development.
Symptoms typically manifest late and may include nosebleeds, a lump in the nose or neck, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and/or hearing loss. In more advanced stages, it can lead to breathing difficulties and slurred speech. It spreads easily and can cause the enlargement of lymph node chains in the neck and other areas of the body.
For diagnosis, thorough questioning is crucial, covering health habits and symptoms. A biopsy, obtained through nasoscopy or upper endoscopy, confirms the suspected diagnosis. The evaluation is completed with imaging tests such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, etc.
Treatment depends on the size, location, and stage (local or disseminated) and involves a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
- Retrospective study of 200 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Trinidad Cabezas A, García Berrocal JR, González FM, Ramírez-Camacho R. An Otorrinolaringol Ibero Am. 2003;30(2):117-25. PMID: 12784563 Spanish.
- Early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Morales-Angulo C, Megía López R, Rubio Suárez A, Bezos Capelastegui JT, Rama J. An Otorrinolaringol Ibero Am. 2001;28(3):317-23. PMID: 11455888 Spanish.
- Carcinoma of the nasopharynx: current status of its morphologic diagnosis. Vera Sempere FJ. Med Clin (Barc). 1988 Nov 5;91(15):589-95.
