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.

Nasopharyngeal cancer – Symptoms and treatment options

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a very rare type of cancer affecting the nasopharynx. It is important to know the symptoms, causes, diagnostic procedures and treatment options in order to be well informed on this type of cancer.

Normally, this cancer is confused with other kinds of cancer that also affect the area such as oesophageal cancer and laryngeal cancer. NPC varies significantly from other types of cancers of the neck and head in terms of causes, occurrence, clinical behavior, and treatment. This cancer is more common in several regions of Africa and East Asia than other parts of the world. 

Nasopharyngeal cancer - Signs and symptoms 

It is not easy to identify nasopharyngeal cancer as the symptoms are much similar to various other less serious health conditions. A lot of people with this cancer do not show any symptoms until cancer reaches an advanced stage.

Major symptoms include:

·         Hearing loss (generally in one ear)

·         Lump in the neck

·         Tinnitus

·         Stuffy or blocked nose

·         Nosebleeds 

If you develop symptoms that worry you, you must see your general physician right away, especially if the condition doesn’t improve after several weeks. While most of the times these symptoms are not likely to be a result of NPC, it is good to get them checked. 

How nasopharyngeal cancer is treated

A range of treatments are available for those suffering from NPC. A few treatments are standard and a few are tested in clinical trials. If a person is diagnosed with NPC, he or she will be taken care of by a team of various specialists that work together. The team will discuss with the patient about the best treatment option in his or her case. 

Major treatment options for NPC are:

Radiotherapy – Radiation is used to destroy cancer cells

Chemotherapy –Medication is used to kill the cancer cells 

In most of the cases, a combination of these two treatments is used. Surgery is generally not used to treat NPC as it is not easy for surgeons to gain access to the affected area. If diagnosed in early stages, there are ample chances for the patient to get complete cure from this type of cancer. 

To detect NPC at an early stage and save the life of a person, it is ideal to undergo NP Screen test, a highly valued and standard test for diagnosing NPC.