Is nasopharyngeal carcinoma contagious?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma currently has no definite transmissibility, and the exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is not particularly clear. Clinical studies have shown that there is a certain relationship between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and EB virus infection, but it may also be related to other factors, such as familial heredity or living environment. Exposure to radioactive or chemical substances may also have a certain impact. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that there is genetic or absolute contagion. Overall, in terms of treatment, radiotherapy is mainly used, and some patients need to be combined with chemotherapy. Generally, the five-year survival rate is relatively high among early-stage patients. If the disease staging is later and the differentiation is poor, the treatment difficulty and treatment effect are relatively worse.

Other Voices

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to check for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor in the nasal area, clinically mainly squamous cell carcinoma. The incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is relatively high in southern regions of our country. Clinically, the primary treatment is radiotherapy. For diagnosis, the first general step involves using an electronic nasopharyngoscope to examine the nasopharyngeal area for suspicious conditions. Further imaging studies can also be conducted, such as CT scans and MRI scans of the nasopharyngeal area. Through these examinations, if a neoplasm in the nasal area is essentially identified and suspected to be nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an endoscopic examination is conducted where forceps are used to clip tissue for a pathological biopsy. The pathological biopsy determines whether it is definitively nasopharyngeal carcinoma and identifies the type of cancer cells, thus guiding clinical treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Nasopharyngeal cancer examination items

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area, with many examination procedures commonly used. Clinically, nasopharyngoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pathological biopsy are frequently utilized. Nasopharyngoscopy and MRI of the nasopharyngeal area help determine the specific range of the lesion, which is useful for clinical staging and typing. However, the gold standard for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma still requires a pathological biopsy. During a nasopharyngoscopy, a sample of soft tissue can be taken for pathological analysis, which allows for a clear diagnosis as well as pathological staging and typing, aiding in subsequent treatment.

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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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Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
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What should I do if nasopharyngeal carcinoma causes vomiting?

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who exhibit vomiting should first determine the cause of the vomiting. For instance, if vomiting is due to the gastrointestinal reactions caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, medications such as serotonin receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and NK-1 receptor blockers should be used to alleviate the side effects of the treatment. Additionally, nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients might experience projectile vomiting due to brain metastasis, which results in increased intracranial pressure. It is essential first to confirm the presence of brain metastasis through CT and MRI scans of the head. If brain metastasis is confirmed, localized treatment such as radiotherapy should be administered. Medications like mannitol and glycerol fructose should be used concurrently to reduce intracranial pressure and relieve the projectile vomiting. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
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Can patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma eat peaches?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. Peaches can be eaten; they are a common type of fruit containing rich vitamins, and they have no direct side effects on the condition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, nor do they affect the treatment efficacy. They also do not directly conflict with any medications or treatment plans related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Therefore, it is normal to consume peaches. For patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it is advised that their diet should be high in protein and low in fat, with balanced and reasonable nutrition to ensure adequate energy supply and enhanced immunity, which can help with the treatment of the condition.