Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a type of cancer which occurs in the nasopharynx, a part of the muscular area located between the back of the throat and the nose. 

Symptoms of NPC

The symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma resemble those of more common conditions.

Noticeable symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma include:

·         Formation of a lump in the neck due to swollen lymph node.

·         Discharge of blood from the nose

·         Nasal congestion

·         Frequent ear infections

·         Headaches

Causes of NPC

Cancer starts when one or more genetic factors contribute to the abnormal growth of normal cells, spreading to adjoining tissues. In nasopharyngeal carcinomas, this unwanted growth process occurs in the outer surface of the nasopharynx. 

Risk factors

The following factors have been identified to contribute towards the risk of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma: 

·         Sex. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is more prevalent in men.

·         Race. This type of cancer is found to affect the population in Northern Africa and Asia.

·         Age. Nasopharyngeal cancer is found in adults who are in their thirties to fifties.

·         Salt-cured foods. Exposure to Chemicals released when cooking salt-cured foods like fish and preserved vegetables can pass through the nasal cavity increasing the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

·         Epstein-Barr virus. Epstein-Barr virus is linked to several forms of cancers including nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

·         Family history. Previous history among family member with nasopharyngeal carcinoma can increases your risk of the disease.

Tests to diagnose nasopharyngeal carcinoma

·         Physical exam. Diagnosing NPC generally starts with a general check up. Your doctor may press on the back of your neck to identify any swelling in your lymph nodes.

·         Nasal endoscopy. If nasopharyngeal carcinoma is predicted, your physician may recommend for a nasal endoscopy. 

·         Test to remove a sample of suspicious cells. Your doctor will use the endoscope for collecting a small tissue sample for biopsy.

These days, a more convenient and accurate system of diagnosing this type of cancer has been introduced. The NP Screen test kit is an excellent diagnostic tool that helps in the early detection of NPC. Early detection means early treatment and successful treatment. So, the NP Screen is really a great way to diagnose this type of cancer.

Causes and Diagnostic Procedures of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Needless to say, nasopharyngeal cancer is not very common. Also, the exact cause of this cancer is not known; still, there are a few factors that increase the risk of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. 

Probable causes of nasopharyngeal cancer:

·         Consuming a diet high in salt-cured fish and meats

·         Being of North African or South Chinese descent

·         Exposure to the EBV or Epstein-Barr virus, a virus that is responsible for glandular fever

·         Regular exposure to hardwood dust at work or other means

·         Having a blood related person such as a parent or sibling with the same condition 

How is nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosed?

When a general physician is approached with symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, he or she will generally ask about the symptoms and perform a few examinations. This involves examining the throat with the help of a light and mirror. If the physician feels that more tests are essential, the patient will be referred to a hospital where a number of tests are carried to check for the cancer and rule out any other conditions. 

Some tests include:

Nasoendoscopy – It is a test wherein a thin, flexible telescope that is the endoscope is inserted into the nose and passed down the throat to identify any abnormalities; a local anaesthetic is used to numb the nose and throat areas. 

Imaging scans – MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scans or CT scans are also used to check for any tumours and find out whether or not the cancer has spread. 

Pan endoscopy – It involves a more detailed exam of the nose and throat and is carried out under administration of a general anaesthetic using an array of small but rigid telescopes that are connected together. 

Biopsy – In case of biopsy, a tissue sample is removed during pan endoscopy to be examined in a laboratory for malignant cells. 

These tests will help the physician to confirm whether or not the patient has nasopharyngeal cancer and they will then find out at what stage the cancer is. Detecting this cancer at an early stage provides immense chances for recovery. 

NP Screen kit is an excellent cancer diagnostic tool that helps detect NPC at a very early stage.