Nasopharyngeal cancer is a cancer that occurs in the nasal region located behind the nose and in the upper part of the throat. This type of cancer, also known as nasal cancer among the people, shows symptoms very similar to respiratory tract diseases, and unfortunately, the diagnosis is often delayed.
Since the patients do not take into account the symptoms they experience, the advanced stages of the cancer are reached when the diagnosis is made. We can state that this cancer, like many different types of cancer, is more common in smokers. It is also known that nasopharyngeal cancer is seen more intensely in Asian countries especially.
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The Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms can occur in many different ways in patients. At the same time, it should be noted that the severity of the symptoms differs depending on the stage of the cancer. Here are some examples of common cancer symptoms:
- Nosebleed
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Having a buzzing in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Swelling in the neck
- Speech disorders
- Impaired vision and smell
- Facial tingling sensation
- Numbness in some parts of the face
- Consumed fluids coming from the nose
Even if only one of these symptoms is seen, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist without wasting time. In this way, necessary tests and examinations can be performed and the appropriate treatment procedure can be started by making an early diagnosis. It should not be forgotten that early diagnosis is of great importance in all types of cancer.
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The Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Depending on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient, the most ideal nasopharyngeal cancer treatment options are selected and applied by the doctor. We can state that the treatment is usually carried out with radiation therapy. Sometimes chemotherapy and radiation therapy may need to be applied together.
Radiation therapy uses extremely powerful beams of energy, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, is the use of special chemical drugs prepared to destroy cancer cells. The combination of both treatments increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation. However, it may not be necessary to apply these two treatments at the same time for every patient.
What are the Risk Factors?
As we mentioned before, nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in smokers. However, it should be mentioned that there are various factors that increase the risk of cancer. We can list these risks as follows:
- Malnutrition
- Taking snuff
- Cocaine use
- Smoked food consumption
- Consumption of foods seasoned in salt
- Contact with certain chemicals
- Experiencing chronic nasal infections
- Genetic factors
- Ebstein Barr virus
Studies have shown that these people are more likely to develop cancer. Cancer can occur at any age. However, it should be noted that it is more common between the ages of 30 and 50. In particular, individuals with a family history of this cancer are also in the risk group. Because it is known that genetic factors are also effective in nasopharyngeal cancer. Again, studies reveal that this cancer is more common in women than in men.
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Stages of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
In order to determine the stage of cancer, it must first be diagnosed. After the patient is diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, some imaging tests may be needed. We can list these tests as follows:
- Computer tomography (CT)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- X-ray
The results of these tests are evaluated together and the stage of the cancer is determined. We can say that the stages of this cancer vary from I to IV. Small numbers mean the cancer is limited, while big numbers mean the cancer may have spread to lymph nodes in the neck or to different parts of the body. The stage of the cancer is very important for the treatment to be applied.
Death Risk of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
There is a risk of death in all types of cancer. For this reason, it would not be correct to state that nasopharyngeal cancer does not carry the risk of death. We can state that the success rate of treatment in the fourth stage of the disease varies between 50% and 80%. In case of early diagnosis, it can be mentioned that the risk of death may be lower, since cancer cells are intervened earlier. Age is also a determining factor on the risk of death. Sometimes the body does not respond positively to the treatment applied, and in this case, the risk of death may increase.
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