This disease develops when the cancerous cells form in the tissues of the nasopharynx which is the upper section of the pharynx (throat) behind the nose and above the back of the throat. As the symptoms of this disease can be similar to other common forms of conditions, identifying it in the initial stage can be difficult. There are three types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on how they look under the microscope; keratinizing squamous cells carcinoma, non-keratinizing differentiated carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. Although they may look different under the microscope, they often start from the same cell type and hence the treatment is the same for all types.
Causes
Cancer develops because of a genetic mutation that causes the normal cells to grow out of control thus spreading and invading other parts of the body. The exact cause of the genetic mutation is not known although various factors have been associated with it. Some of the risk factors for developing this cancer include Epstein-Barr virus, a diet high in salt-cured meats, exposed to hardwood dust, consuming large amounts of alcohol and having a first-degree relative who had the condition.
Symptoms
The disease can be difficult to recognize as it can appear to be similar to other less serious conditions. In most of the cases, the symptoms may not become apparent until the individual has reached the advanced stage of cancer. Some of the symptoms associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma include blood in the saliva, frequent ear infections, blocked or stuffy nose, lump in the neck caused by a swollen lymph node, bloody discharge from the nose, hearing loss and headaches.
Diagnosis
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is diagnosed based on a physical examination that identifies the swelling of the lymph nodes and with various tests. During a nasal endoscopy, the inside of the nasopharynx will be observed for abnormalities along with the removal of a sample of the affected tissue to be examined. Additional diagnostic tests may also be required to determine the extent of cancer which can include a CT scan, MRI, PET and an X-ray which can help stage cancer.
Treatment
The treatment is based on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the affected individual. Normally, the treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma consists of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy such as x-rays or protons to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells which can be administered through a vein or can be taken orally. Generally, surgery is not used as a treatment option for this cancer but may be considered in some cases to remove the cancerous lymph nodes in the neck or to remove the tumor from the nasopharynx.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma/basics/treatment/con-20025379
https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/nasopharyngeal-treatment-pdq
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/nasopharyngeal-cancer/about/what-is-nasopharyngeal-cancer.html
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer/Pages/Definition.aspx
