ABOUT Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
What is Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma?
It is cancer that develops in the nasopharynx, which is
located behind the nasal cavity and sinuses. The incidence rate of this type of
cancer has been increasing steadily over the last two decades.
1 in 500 cases is not neurosarcoma, meningioma, or
ependymoma (these 3 types are more common). Other risk factors include smoking,
chronic infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), family history, and past
radiation treatment to the head or neck region.
The cure rate for this cancer is less than 50%. Surgery
can be used to remove masses if they are found early on (<3 cm), but it does
not always yield complete removal of tumor cells.
What are the Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma?
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a cancer of the nasopharynx
region. The term nasopharyngeal carcinoma encompasses both lymphatic and
non-lymphatic types. The non-lymphatic type is more common.
Symptoms include hoarseness, changes in voice quality
(producing a sound similar to that of an old man), and pain in the neck. These
symptoms usually develop several years after the initial cancer diagnosis.
They occur when the tumor becomes invades the lamina
propria of the voice box. The head and neck surgeon or radiologist may
determine that there is no evidence of cancer in the nasal cavity by CT scans
or MRIs.
The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion via
history, physical examination, and diagnostic studies such as CT scans,
biopsies, MRI scans, physical therapy tests, and electrophysiology
examinations.
What are the Causes of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma?
Carcinogenesis is the formation of cancer due to
changes in tissue cells. This may be due to trauma or infection. These
carcinogens may come from environmental factors such as tobacco smoke or
asbestos.
They may occur due to certain "mistakes" in
DNA replication or cell division, or they can be inherited as a familial cancer
syndrome. There are many different types of carcinogens—some are viewed as
potential risks, others as known risks, and still others as actual risks.
What is the prognosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma?
According to Cancer Research UK, stage 1 tumors have an
almost 100% survival rate when treated with surgery or radiation therapy. When
cancer has spread to other sites in the body, it is less treatable.
The median survival rate for patients under the age of
15 is 22 months after diagnosis while the median survival time for patients
over the age of 40 years old was six months after diagnosis.
What are the Treatment options for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma?
Treatment options for nasopharyngeal carcinoma vary
depending on patient age, condition of the tumor, and overall health. Treatment
techniques may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or
immunotherapy (removing T-cells that help fight cancer).
There are different treatment options for NPC. The
typical treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and laser
treatment.
Depending on the size and extent of the tumor,
chemotherapy may be combined with radiation therapy. The use of immunotherapy
for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients is an active area of clinical
research.
There are also clinical trials in China, including in
Hong Kong Cancer Center. The medications used include Vincristine, Doxorubicin,
Adriamycin, and cisplatin.
Frequently Asked Questions on NPC
What is the difference between Neoplasm and NPC?
·
Neoplasm: any abnormal tissue that develops into
or can grow into a type of cancer.
· NPC: non-epithelial cells originating from neoplasms.
What is the difference between Lymphatic malignancy and Epulis?
·
Lymphatic malignancy: cancer that is located in
the lymph nodes and/or spleen and spreads through lymph nodes and/or
bloodstream (lymphatic metastasis) like typical carcinomas.
·
Epulis: inflammation of the nasopharynx
characterized by soreness, lumpiness, redness, and swelling of the cheek,
especially after encountering painful stimuli such as rubbing head or eating
hot foods.
