Nasopharyngeal Cancer

The early symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are similar to some upper respiratory tract diseases, such as rhinitis and sinusitis. If you suspect these early signs of nasopharyngeal cancer, you should get checked as soon as possible.

In more severe cases of nasopharyngeal cancer, complications can occur as the cancer cells grow and invade nearby structures such as the throat, brain, and bones. Additionally, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, leading to lymph node metastasis in the neck and affecting the lungs and liver. If you observe symptoms suggestive of nasopharyngeal cancer, early medical evaluation is essential.

he doctor will first inquire about relevant symptoms and the patient's medical and family history to check for nasopharyngeal cancer. They will also thoroughly examine the ears, nose, and throat and check the neck for tumours. The doctor will use an endoscope to examine the nasopharynx if a tumour is found. If a cancer is also found in that area, a small tissue sample will be removed for microscopic examination to determine if it is malignant and to identify the cause.
 

The doctor will then perform a detailed assessment of the patient, including imaging tests, to check if the tumour has spread to the skull, brain, or nerves and to determine the stage of nasopharyngeal cancer. The evaluation typically involves three types of imaging:

• MRI
  This large scan uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of internal tissues and organs. Patients may need to be injected with a contrast agent to ensure more explicit photos. MRI is particularly effective at showing small lesions.
   
• CT Scan
  This scan takes X-rays from different angles to create 3D images of the internal tissues, helping to assess whether the cancer has spread.
   
• PET CT Scan
  After a small amount of radioactive contrast material is injected into the bloodstream, a scanner detects how the body's cells absorb and distribute glucose, identifying any abnormal cellular activity and determining if cancer has spread to other areas. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene test can also help predict the disease's progression and monitor its status.
   

Based on the size and extent of the tumour, nasopharyngeal cancer can be classified into different stages.

The primary purpose of staging nasopharyngeal cancer is to help doctors design a treatment plan, calculate the radiation dosage, and determine the appropriate treatment methods.

The treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer primarily involves two methods: radiation therapy and chemotherapy, depending on the tumour's location, cancer staging, and the overall health of the patient. These two treatment methods can be used individually or in combination.