What are the symptoms of late-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Nasopharyngeal cancer is a common malignancy in otolaryngology, primarily located in the nasopharyngeal area. In advanced stages, nasopharyngeal cancer manifests symptoms in two main aspects. One involves symptoms directly caused by the cancer or its metastasis, typically presenting as increased nasal masses, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, severe headaches, decreased hearing, and bleeding in the nasal area due to tumor cells or tissue eroding the internal carotid artery. Additionally, there is a foul smell from the nasopharyngeal area. The second aspect relates to systemic symptoms due to the growth of nasopharyngeal cancer, leading to poor overall nutritional status and cachexia, characterized by extreme emaciation. There is also the potential for distant metastasis of the tumor cells, presenting symptoms in the corresponding areas.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Is nasopharyngeal cancer hereditary?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the nasopharynx, primarily found in regions populated by Mongoloid races, and is particularly common in coastal areas or in Guangdong and Guangxi regions. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma has a genetic component, meaning if you have a family history of this cancer, your chances and your descendants' chances of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma are higher compared to those without such a family history. However, having a family history does not guarantee the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, nor does the absence of a family history ensure one will not get it. Under such circumstances, patients with a family history should regularly check their nasopharynx and consider whether there are traces of blood in the first sputum they cough up in the morning, which might indicate a malignancy in the nasopharynx. In such cases, performing a nasopharyngoscopy can generally clarify the presence or absence of a tumor.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. The most commonly used treatment method is primarily radiotherapy, and some patients also need to combine chemotherapy. Overall, most patients can be controlled and relieved after comprehensive treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Existing clinical evidence shows that for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer, some patients may consider surgical treatment. However, the indications for surgery are quite narrow and can only be carried out in top hospitals. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is necessary before further determination and implementation can be considered.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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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.

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Do people with nasopharyngeal carcinoma lose weight?

Some patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma may experience weight loss, but individual differences exist. This is somewhat related to the condition itself as well as to the individual's resistance and their baseline physical fitness. If the condition is detected early and the clinical symptoms are not particularly obvious, most patients will not show significant weight loss, and many people may not have noticeable symptoms. If the condition is severe, and diet and nutrition are not properly managed in a timely manner, patients may experience weight loss, especially in advanced stages of the illness. This can result in a cachectic-like state, which poses greater challenges for treatment. It is necessary to seek medical attention promptly, assess the physical condition, and consider the need for radiotherapy and chemotherapy.