Nasopharyngeal Cancer
About Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the nasopharynx.
The nasopharynx is the upper part of the pharynx (throat) behind the nose. The pharynx is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes from the throat to the stomach). Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to the trachea or the esophagus. The nostrils lead into the nasopharynx. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into an ear. Nasopharyngeal cancer most commonly starts in the squamous cells that line the nasopharynx.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.
Symptoms
Signs of nasopharyngeal cancer include trouble breathing, speaking, or hearing.
These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by nasopharyngeal cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- A lump in the nose or neck.
- A sore throat.
- Trouble breathing or speaking.
- Nosebleeds.
- Trouble hearing.
- Pain or ringing in the ear.
- Headaches.
Risk Factors
Ethnic background and being exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus can affect the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer include the following:
- Having Chinese or Asian ancestry.
- Being exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus: The Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with certain cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and some lymphomas.
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol.