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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Characteristics of headaches caused by nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common otorhinolaryngological disease with various clinical symptoms. The more common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, and bloody nasal discharge. Some patients may experience headaches, which could potentially be due to intracranial metastasis of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma or nerve invasion, causing neuropathic pain. The specific characteristics of the headache mainly manifest as persistent and severe pain. Although pain relief medications can temporarily alleviate the symptoms, the relief usually does not last long. After the effects of the medication wear off, the pain may recur. Moreover, this condition is generally challenging to treat, and treatment outcomes may not be ideal.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can nasopharyngeal carcinoma be treated?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common clinical disease, especially in the southern regions of China. It primarily affects the nasal area as a malignant tumor. The clinical treatment outcomes for nasopharyngeal carcinoma are relatively good, and it is also referred to as "fortunate cancer," which implies that it has a relatively high cure rate. The main clinical treatment involves radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy, often described as the "sandwich" treatment method. Any tumor can be cured if detected early, and the early detection rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is relatively high. Therefore, its cure rate is also relatively high compared to other major organ tumors such as liver and lung cancers, which exhibit relatively lower cure rates and outcomes.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma drink tea?

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma can drink tea in their daily lives. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Its early clinical manifestations mainly include nasopharyngeal bleeding, nasal congestion, and poor nasal ventilation as the main symptoms. When these symptoms appear, they should be taken seriously, and timely comprehensive examinations such as electronic nasopharyngoscopy and paranasal sinus CT scans should be conducted. When a nasopharyngeal tumor is detected, a timely pathological biopsy should be undertaken to determine the nature of the patient's condition, aiming for early detection and early treatment. Additionally, enhancing nutrition and strengthening physical exercise can help improve one's resistance and reduce the occurrence of diseases.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma eat zongzi?

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma can eat rice dumplings, which are a common food mainly made from glutinous rice. Eating rice dumplings does not have side effects on the condition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma nor does it affect the treatment outcomes, so patients can eat them normally. Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma should seek medical attention in the oncology department as soon as they are diagnosed, and consider undergoing radiation therapy, with some needing to combine it with chemotherapy. After treatment, regular long-term check-ups are necessary, as some patients may experience local recurrence or distant metastasis, which requires timely subsequent targeted therapy.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Can you smoke with nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma should not smoke, as tobacco is a very certain carcinogenic factor. There is a significant correlation between the high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and long-term smoking. Therefore, if patients do not eliminate carcinogenic factors, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is likely to recur or metastasize after curative surgery or radiotherapy. Additionally, patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma need to undergo treatment strategies such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Continuous smoking can affect the effectiveness of these anti-tumor treatments and is detrimental to the patient's recovery. Furthermore, smoking can also lead to other types of malignant tumors. Therefore, it is not advisable for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma to smoke. It is also recommended that patients improve other unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as long-term alcohol consumption, a high-fat diet, and the consumption of pickled or fried foods, as these are also causes of high nasopharyngeal carcinoma incidence and should be avoided.