Cancer of the Nasopharynx

Cancer of the nasal passages and upper throat (nasopharynx) may occur in children and young adults. Although rare in North America, cancer of the nasopharynx is one of the most common cancers in Asia. This cancer is also more common among Chinese people who immigrated to North America than other Americans. It is slightly less common among American-born Chinese than their immigrant parents.

The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, plays a role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer. In addition, children and young adults who eat large amounts of salted fish (especially people with a poor intake of vitamins) are more likely to develop nasopharyngeal cancer.

Often, the first symptom is persistent blockage of the nose or eustachian tubes, which causes a sensation of fullness or pain in the ears and may cause hearing loss, particularly in one ear. If an eustachian tube is blocked, fluid may accumulate in the middle ear. A person may have a discharge of pus and blood from the nose. Rarely, part of the face or an eye becomes paralyzed. Often, the cancer spreads to lymph nodes in the neck.

A doctor diagnoses the cancer by performing a biopsy of the tumor, in which a sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and neck is performed to evaluate the extent of the cancer. The tumor is treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If the tumor is large or persists, surgery may be needed. Overall, 35% of the people survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis; early treatment improves prognosis significantly.