Stages, Symptoms and Treatments of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

The nasopharynx is the top part of the throat that is located behind the nose. The nostrils are passages that lead from the nose to the nasopharynx then branch off on either side to lead to each ear. Nasopharyngeal cancer most commonly begins infection in the squamous cells that are located in the part of the throat that is behind the mouth also known as the oropharynx.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Stages

There are four stages of this disease. Stage I affects only the area of the nasopharynx. Stage II generally indicates that the cancer has spread from the nasopharynx into the middle throat affect the tonsils, tongue and roof of the mouth and into lymph nodes located on one side of the neck. This stage is separated into the two subsections of IIA and IIB. In stage III, the cancer is in all of the previous areas and may also have progressed into the sinuses and nearby bones and lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. Stage IV is the final stage of this disease and consists of three subsections, IVA, IVB and IVC. In this stage the spreading may be affecting all previous areas but also may have spread into the bottom of the throat as well as the bones of the cranium or skull and jaw. It may also spread to other areas of the body at this point.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms

Although many of the symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer can also be attributed to other illnesses as well, it is important to notify your family’s health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms such as difficulty breathing, speaking or hearing, pain or ringing in the ears, sore throat, and nose bleeds headaches or lumps in the nose or neck.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Diagnosis

There are several ways that a diagnosis of this disease can be made. Some of these include basic physical exam of the throat area, neurological exam, nasoscopy, CT scan, MRI scan and x-rays. Lab tests and biopsies may also be performed in an effort to diagnose this disease. Although some of these are more complicated than others most are fairly simple.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Causes

Although an exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is difficult to pinpoint there are several factors that are thought to contribute to the development of this cancer. These factors include diet, viruses, family history, wood dust exposure, smoking and recurrent diseases of the ear, nose and throat.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment

The sooner a cancer is detected the greater the chance that treatment will be successful. In the case of this particular cancer there are three standard treatment options that are used in most cases. These treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. In some cases clinical trials are also used as a treatment option but are generally used only if no other treatments have been started. In more serious cases clinical trials are also used when other treatments have been exhausted and proven unsuccessful. Radiation and chemotherapy are the most common treatments with surgery being used as a last resort.