Nasopharyngeal Cancer is a type of cancer that is rare and is usually found at the neck and head. It is located behind the nose and starts at the upper part of the body. This is the area of the nasopharynx and is found at the base of the skull and the upper part of the mouth. It is where the nostrils open. Air flows through the nose into it when we breathe and eventually into the lungs.
TYPES
There are three main types of nasopharyngeal cancer. They are:
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer may include:
Health conditions that are far less serious than nasopharyngeal cancer can give out these symptoms, and always keep in mind that these symptoms are more likely to occur with many other diseases.
See a doctor or nurse if you have any of these symptoms. A medical person with experience can only be authorized to diagnose it.
DIAGNOSIS
The doctor and nurse will examine the neck. A lump in the neck is common to those who have nasopharyngeal cancer. This cancer can also attack the lymph nodes.
For better viewing of the nasopharynx, a flexible lighted tube may be placed through the mouth in a process called nasopharyngoscopy. It checks the area for abnormal growth, bleeding and any other problems. A biopsy is recommended if the exam is abnormal. A microscope is used to acquire a small amount of tissue.
Nasopharyngoscopy can also include a biopsy. The biopsy may be done by placing a very thin hollow tube if ever a lump in the neck is detected.
To determine if it is spreading, imaging tests can help. This is through:
The following tests may also be included:
A person diagnosed will undergo a procedure and it is called “Staging”. Staging is a process that will determine the spread of cancer if you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. It consists of stages 0-5, the lower being the less serious stage.
Carcinoma in situ or we calls it Stage 0.
Cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or more nearly is Stage I nasopharyngeal cancer.
Cancer that may have spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes but has not spread to distant parts of the body is a Stage II nasopharyngeal cancer
Tumor size and extent of spreading to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and/or distant parts of the body staging to III and IV are considered more advanced.
The return of nasopharyngeal cancer is called recurrent cancer.
TREATMENT
Regular follow-up check-ups with a medical team must be done if you are diagnosed after treatment is done.
Treatment may vary in things like:
Treatments may include:
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