The throat, medically known as the pharynx, is divided into three parts. One of these parts, the nasopharynx, also known as the back of the throat, is the section where the throat meets the nose. The cancer that develops here is called nasopharyngeal (back of the throat) cancer. Surrounding this area are the oral cavity, ears, Eustachian tube, soft palate, and brain. This area is an important part of the respiratory system. It also contains salivary glands and lymphoid tissues.
It has functions such as sound formation, hearing, and contributing to breathing. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that can be detected late due to its symptoms being similar to those of ear, nose, and throat diseases.
What are the Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Nasopharyngeal cancer is one of the frequently occurring types of cancer in the head and neck region. It is important to treat nasopharyngeal cancer separately from other tumor types in the head and neck area. The treatment for this type of cancer, which is difficult to diagnose early, is mostly done through chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The symptoms of this cancer can initially resemble those of upper respiratory infections or chronic nasal congestion. The most common symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are as follows:
- Nasal congestion,
- Tinnitus,
- Sore throat,
- Nosebleeds,
- Blood in saliva,
- Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck,
- Hearing loss,
- Persistent ear infection,
- Headache.
It is very important to consult a specialist doctor if these symptoms are present.
What are the Causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Cancer occurs as a result of one or more genetic conditions and environmental factors causing cells to divide faster than normal, spread to surrounding tissues, and metastasize to other parts of the body. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (nasopharyngeal tumor) is a type of cancer that can spread in this way. The virus that most commonly causes this malignant mass in the nasopharynx is a type of virus called EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus). Additionally, multiple environmental, genetic, and racial factors can also be primary causes of this cancer. The main triggers for nasopharyngeal cancer are as follows:
- Preserved Foods: Cooking salted foods in cans can cause different types of chemicals to emerge in the cooking vapor. The transfer of these chemicals to the nasopharynx through breathing can trigger cancer formation.
- Family History: If someone in the family has had nasopharyngeal cancer, the risk of developing this disease may increase.
- Age: Research shows that nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in individuals aged 20 to 30 and/or 50 to 60.
- Gender: Studies indicate that nasopharyngeal cancer is more frequently found in males.
- EBV Virus (EBV): The Epstein-Barr Virus presents symptoms similar to the flu in patients. Nasopharyngeal cancer can also arise from the EBV virus.
- Smoking: The use and frequency of smoking can pave the way for nasopharyngeal cancer.
How is Nasopharyngeal Cancer Diagnosed?
To diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer, a medical history must first be taken by a specialist doctor. Previous illnesses should be identified, and actions should be taken based on the symptoms presented by the patient. Based on this, the patient’s risk level should be determined. After necessary tests are conducted, a physical examination is performed.
In the examination for nasopharyngeal cancer, the presence of swellings in the neck area can be significant for diagnosis. A nasal endoscopy may be performed for diagnosis and detailed examination. In the nasal endoscopy method, a thin tube with a light source and camera is used to examine from the nose to the nasopharynx. As a result of this procedure, the presence of a tumor in the nasopharyngeal area can be detected. In nasal endoscopy analysis, anesthesia may be performed without anesthesia or with local (regional) anesthesia. If a formation to be examined in the nasopharyngeal area is identified, a biopsy sample is taken from the area. The diagnosis of the disease becomes clearer based on the pathological analysis result of the tissue sample taken from the area.
When a tumor is identified, examinations are conducted to determine whether it is consistent with nasopharyngeal cancer. When diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, imaging tests are initiated to determine whether the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues. These tests include MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and CT (Computed Tomography). After these methods, the presence and stage of nasopharyngeal cancer are determined. Finally, a treatment method is determined based on the stage of the disease, and treatment begins. It is very important to consult specialized doctors for appropriate treatment methods.
What are the Treatment Methods for Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
After a specialist doctor diagnoses nasopharyngeal cancer for the patient, several treatment methods can be determined. These treatment methods may include:
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is one of the treatment methods used to destroy cancer cells with radiation. External radiotherapy is mostly preferred for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In this method, the patient is laid on a flat table, and a machine surrounding them sends radiation to the area where the tumor is located. For small nasopharyngeal tumors, radiotherapy alone may provide sufficient treatment. For larger tumors, radiotherapy may need to be combined with chemotherapy. Some side effects may occur as a result of radiotherapy performed in the head and neck area. Skin redness, hearing loss, and mouth sores are some of these side effects. Appropriate medications can be used under doctor supervision to prevent side effects.
- Chemotherapy: Unlike radiotherapy, this method aims to destroy cancer cells through the use of drugs. In chemotherapy, drugs can be administered orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy methods can be used together in the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer. In some patients, the combined use of these two methods may lead to more side effects. Considering these possibilities, radiotherapy may be applied first, followed by chemotherapy as recommended by the doctor.
- Surgical Method: A surgical procedure may be performed as part of the treatment planned by the doctor. If the tumor does not disappear and recurs in the nasopharyngeal or neck area after radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, surgical applications may be performed using endoscopic or open techniques for the nasopharyngeal tumor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recognized?
Nasopharyngeal cancer can present with some symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Hearing loss,
- Nasal congestion,
- Beginning to see blurry,
- Feeling drowsy and pain,
- Tinnitus,
- Headache.
Who is Affected by Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the emergence of this cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer is more commonly seen in individuals who are poorly nourished, heavy smokers, and those with a family history of this disease.
How Long Does Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Take?
The duration of radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal cancer treatment is usually five days a week and can last for 5-6 weeks. Chemotherapy duration may vary depending on the reduction of recurrences and the control of symptoms.
Is Nasopharyngeal Cancer Dangerous?
If nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosis is not detected in the early stages, it can progress to riskier periods. If treatment is not performed on time, the tumor can spread to surrounding organs in later stages. Since the nasopharyngeal area is close to the brain, the risk level is higher. Nerve involvement may occur as a result of this situation.
What is the Importance of Early Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
With early diagnosis in nasopharyngeal cancer, positive results can be obtained quickly in the treatment process after the disease is diagnosed. During the early diagnosis period, the risk of affecting surrounding organs decreases, allowing the patient to return to health more quickly.
What are the Stages of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
The stages of nasopharyngeal cancer are divided into five parts:
- Stage 0: The cancer is still in the area where it originated. It has not spread to different areas and remains in the place where it first appeared. No damage has occurred in the tissues.
- Stage 1: The cancer has not spread to neighboring areas, but damage may be observed in the soft tissue at the back of the mouth.
- Stage 2: The cancer may have spread to nearby tissues in the area where it originated.
- Stage 3: The cancer has spread to nearby and distant areas of the throat. It may have reached the sinuses or bones.
- Stage 4: The cancer may have destroyed distant tissues along with lymph nodes.
How Long Does Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Take?
The treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer generally lasts for 5-6 weeks, five days a week. This duration may vary depending on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
What Happens If Nasopharyngeal Cancer is Not Treated?
If treatment is not applied in the early stages of nasopharyngeal cancer, the patient may face more challenging treatments in later stages. In advanced stages, untreated nasopharyngeal cancer can cause severe damage to surrounding organs.
What is the Process After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment?
Although the risk of recurrence of the disease is low after the treatment process of nasopharyngeal cancer, tumors may reappear in some patients. In these patients, surgical methods may be applied.
You can consult a specialist doctor to regularly check for a healthy life and to be informed about the right treatment methods.
