Where is the best place to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma currently mainly considers radiation therapy and chemotherapy, with radiation therapy as the primary treatment. It requires staging and typing based on different ranges of lesions and pathological biopsy types. After determining the stage and type, further radiation and chemotherapy plans can be established. At present, radiation therapy is the most important. Most patients need concurrent chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy and require regular follow-ups. For some patients with cervical lymph node metastasis or recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation therapy, who cannot undergo radiation or chemotherapy again or for whom radiation and chemotherapy have failed, surgery may be considered. However, surgery is generally not the first choice and its effectiveness is not particularly certain.

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Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Causes of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China, especially common in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, as well as other coastal areas including Hunan, Fujian, and Jiangxi. These regions are among the highest incidence areas for nasopharyngeal carcinoma worldwide. The incidence rate in males is three times that of females, with the age group of 40 to 50 years being particularly at risk. The occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with genetic, viral, and environmental factors, exhibiting racial and familial patterns. In areas like Guangzhou and the Pearl River Delta, it is possible for five out of nine people in the same family to have nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is also one of the causes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, in addition to environmental factors. Areas with low trace elements in rice and water, as well as low fluoride levels, are prone to higher incidences of this cancer. Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma typically have higher fluoride levels in their hair, and nitrites are also one of the major contributing factors to the condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of late-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

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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What tests are done for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

The examination items for nasopharyngeal carcinoma are mainly divided into three types. The first type is imaging examinations, the second type is blood tests, and the third type is endoscopic pathological biopsy. Imaging examinations mainly involve CT or MRI of the nasopharynx and the whole body. If necessary, PET-CT may also be considered to clarify the extent of the condition and determine the presence of neck or distant metastases, which is helpful for diagnosis and adjuvant therapy. The second type involves blood tests, mainly including general biochemical blood tests and virus detection, which can assess the basic functional status of the body. The third type is the endoscopic pathological biopsy, which involves performing a pathological biopsy under nasal endoscopy, primarily to confirm the diagnosis and observe the extent of the lesion in the nasopharynx.

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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 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.