Can late-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma be cured?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 11, 2024
00:00
00:00

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a malignant tumor located in the nasopharynx. Late-stage nasopharyngeal cancer refers to stages three and four, particularly stage four, where the patient experiences destruction of adjacent tissue structures and metastasis to distant organs. In such cases, clinical treatment generally involves symptomatic management or palliative care, aimed at improving the patient's quality of life and alleviating suffering. Whether nasopharyngeal cancer, especially in its late stages, can be cured is highly uncertain; its prognosis is very poor, and no one can definitively answer if it can be cured. However, the chances of cure are extremely slim, and the main approach is to provide palliative treatments.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
1min 7sec home-news-image

What causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

The specific cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of malignant tumor, is currently unclear, but it is considered to be related to some high-risk factors that may lead to the occurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer. Firstly, there are cases of EB virus infections in the nasopharyngeal area. The long-term stimulation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa by this virus leads to hyperplasia of the mucosa, which can become malignant and eventually form nasopharyngeal cancer. Additionally, some clinical studies suggest that the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is related to genetic factors, indicating a genetic predisposition to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which leads to its development. Furthermore, some considerations involve external carcinogenic factors affecting the nasopharyngeal area, such as long-term smoking or environmental air pollution, which can also lead to a high incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The symptoms of nasal cancer can be numerous. In the early stages, symptoms might not be apparent because the area affected is relatively small, which can make the symptoms unclear. Possible symptoms include bloody nasal discharge and poor nasal airflow. Some patients might experience a foreign body sensation in the nasopharyngeal area. The most important thing, however, is to use diagnostic aids to make an assessment. This can include a nasopharyngoscopy, an enhanced CT of the nasopharynx, or an enhanced MRI to preliminarily determine the presence of a tumor. If a tumor is suspected, it is possible to consider performing a biopsy and lab tests under endoscopy. Only after completing the biopsy and lab tests can it be confirmed whether it is nasopharyngeal cancer, and then further treatment plans can be considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
44sec home-news-image

Can nasopharyngeal carcinoma be treated with surgery?

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the nasopharynx, which is mainly found in coastal and Guangdong areas, and is more common among Mongoloid races. The treatment methods for nasopharyngeal cancer include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and combined chemoradiotherapy. If the tumor does not disappear after combined chemoradiotherapy and is insensitive to drugs, surgery can be considered. Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for nasopharyngeal cancer; the first-choice treatments are radiotherapy and combined chemoradiotherapy, which are very effective and have a high five-year survival rate. If the cancer is insensitive to radiation and drugs, surgical treatment can be an option in such cases.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
55sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. In terms of treatment, if a patient has been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it is recommended to consult an oncology department or a radiation therapy department. This disease requires consideration of a comprehensive treatment plan involving radiotherapy and chemotherapy, typically spanning several months, and regular follow-ups are needed to monitor recovery. If the diagnosis has not yet been confirmed, it is necessary to first consult an otolaryngology (ENT) department. After visiting the ENT department, a nasopharyngoscopy can be performed, followed by a biopsy under the guidance of the nasopharyngoscopy. Only after the pathology from the biopsy can the specific diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma be confirmed, allowing for the clinical pathological staging and typing necessary for subsequent treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Can nasopharyngeal cancer be cured?

A portion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients can meet the criteria for clinical cure. It largely depends on the specific staging and type of the cancer. Patients with higher differentiation and earlier stages, especially stages one and two, tend to have better treatment outcomes. Currently, radiation therapy is the primary treatment, and some patients may also need to undergo chemotherapy. Overall, chemotherapy is quite effective for most patients. However, whether clinical cure can be achieved primarily depends on the extent of the disease and individual differences. Some people respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which in turn increases their chances of clinical cure. The five-year survival rate is considered the most important indicator.