Nasopharyngeal carcinoma brain metastasis symptoms

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 16, 2025
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of head and neck malignant tumor. If brain metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma occurs, it may cause related clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, decreased vision, and visual field defects. Additionally, some patients may experience fever, but there is significant variability in clinical symptoms among individuals. In such cases, it is necessary to visit departments such as otolaryngology, neurology, and oncology. A head MRI can be conducted to assess the extent of the condition. Generally, options like radiation therapy and chemotherapy are available. With timely treatment, some patients can still achieve a relatively long survival time.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma brain metastasis symptoms

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of head and neck malignant tumor. If brain metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma occurs, it may cause related clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, decreased vision, and visual field defects. Additionally, some patients may experience fever, but there is significant variability in clinical symptoms among individuals. In such cases, it is necessary to visit departments such as otolaryngology, neurology, and oncology. A head MRI can be conducted to assess the extent of the condition. Generally, options like radiation therapy and chemotherapy are available. With timely treatment, some patients can still achieve a relatively long survival time.

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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
Otolaryngology
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Is nasopharyngeal carcinoma prone to metastasis?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area and is prone to metastasis. The most common metastasis site is the cervical lymph nodes. Some patients are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma only after the discovery of cervical lymph node metastatic cancer. Additionally, some patients may experience intracranial metastasis or bone metastasis. Generally speaking, for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it is crucial to achieve early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment. After treatment, long-term regular follow-up is necessary to help determine the presence of metastasis. Moreover, if metastasis is confirmed, comprehensive treatment should be combined.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does nasopharyngeal carcinoma require surgery?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma generally does not consider surgery. For most patients with nasal cancer, radiotherapy is the first choice, and depending on the different stages, it may be necessary to consider concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy. The overall treatment plan primarily focuses on curative radiotherapy, and it also requires regular follow-ups to monitor recovery. If radiotherapy and chemotherapy fail or there is a recurrence, surgery may need to be considered in these cases, but the surgery is relatively difficult, and a detailed analysis of the patient's specific situation is required. Only a very small number of patients would be indicated for surgery.

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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.