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.

Other Voices

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Distinction between Nasopharyngitis and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma have fundamental differences. Nasopharyngitis is an inflammatory disease, while nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor disease. Clinically, nasopharyngitis mainly presents with increased secretions in the nasopharyngeal area, sometimes with a slight amount of bloody secretions, but this is extremely rare. On the other hand, nasopharyngeal carcinoma primarily shows symptoms such as the proliferation of malignant tumor tissues in the nasopharynx, enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, headaches, and ear stuffiness. In terms of treatment, nasopharyngitis is primarily treated with medications, such as traditional Chinese medicines, nasal sprays, and nasal corticosteroids; whereas nasopharyngeal carcinoma is primarily treated with radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, which is currently the common sandwich therapy. Overall, there are fundamental differences between the two.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. In terms of treatment, if a patient has been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it is recommended to consult an oncology department or a radiation therapy department. This disease requires consideration of a comprehensive treatment plan involving radiotherapy and chemotherapy, typically spanning several months, and regular follow-ups are needed to monitor recovery. If the diagnosis has not yet been confirmed, it is necessary to first consult an otolaryngology (ENT) department. After visiting the ENT department, a nasopharyngoscopy can be performed, followed by a biopsy under the guidance of the nasopharyngoscopy. Only after the pathology from the biopsy can the specific diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma be confirmed, allowing for the clinical pathological staging and typing necessary for subsequent treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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The Difference between Nasopharyngitis and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The differences between nasopharyngitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma are very clear. Firstly, nasopharyngitis is an acute inflammatory irritation, while the cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is currently unknown, generally associated directly with EB virus infection. Secondly, their clinical manifestations are different. Patients with nasopharyngitis may experience dryness and pain in the nasopharyngeal area, and yellow secretions may occur when clearing the throat in the morning. In contrast, nasopharyngeal carcinoma typically presents as a painless mass. During examination with a nasopharyngoscope, the surface of nasopharyngitis is congested and swollen, whereas in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers can be found at the top of the nasopharynx or near the pharyngeal recess. A local pathological examination can reveal symptoms and clarify the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, nasopharyngitis requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, while nasopharyngeal carcinoma requires local radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do people with nasopharyngeal carcinoma lose weight?

Some patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma may experience weight loss, but individual differences exist. This is somewhat related to the condition itself as well as to the individual's resistance and their baseline physical fitness. If the condition is detected early and the clinical symptoms are not particularly obvious, most patients will not show significant weight loss, and many people may not have noticeable symptoms. If the condition is severe, and diet and nutrition are not properly managed in a timely manner, patients may experience weight loss, especially in advanced stages of the illness. This can result in a cachectic-like state, which poses greater challenges for treatment. It is necessary to seek medical attention promptly, assess the physical condition, and consider the need for radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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Written by Yao Jun
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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.