Symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 06, 2025
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor that occurs in the nasopharyngeal area. Typically, nasopharyngeal carcinoma often occurs at the top of the nasopharynx and on the lateral walls of the rhinitis. In the early stages, patients may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, and upon waking, they might have yellow or bloody discharge. In severe cases, the patient may also experience symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. If a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, they should first visit a hospital for an electronic nasopharyngoscopy. This can reveal the presence of cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers in any part of the nasopharynx. If such findings are observed, a local pathology biopsy is needed. If it is confirmed to be a malignant tumor of the nasopharynx, relevant radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments are required. Additionally, the patient should also undergo regular systemic examinations to check for distant metastases.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
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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.

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

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant, space-occupying lesion in our nasopharynx. Clinically, the initial symptoms are those of the nasopharynx, manifesting as discomfort in the nasopharyngeal area, or blood in nasal discharge when sniffling. As the nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue enlarges, it can block the posterior nasal apertures, leading to nasal congestion, rapid breathing, and difficulty in breathing. The tumor tissue pressing on our Eustachian tube can cause secretory middle ear infections. The metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to our cervical lymph nodes causes swelling of these lymph nodes. Destruction of the cranial structure by nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues presents symptoms such as headaches. There are also other symptoms, mainly due to the spread of nasopharyngeal carcinoma throughout the body or its metastasis to other parts causing corresponding symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can nasopharyngeal carcinoma be cured?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cannot be completely cured, as it is a malignant tumor, and malignant tumors cannot be completely cured worldwide. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma refers to the malignant tumors that occur at the top or lateral walls of the nasopharynx. The common clinical cause is viral infection, most commonly associated with the Epstein-Barr virus, causing dryness, pain, and itching in the nasopharynx, along with backflow, blood in sputum, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Patients need to undergo a detailed examination with an electronic nasopharyngoscope and a CT scan of the nasopharynx for diagnosis. If an abnormal neoplasm is found, local pathological treatment is required. Once confirmed as malignant, local radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical treatment are also needed. After surgery, patients need to undergo regular follow-up examinations, and further treatment may be required if abnormal proliferation is found.

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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.