What is nasopharyngeal cancer?
Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the nasopharynx, the uppermost part of the throat located behind the nose and above the roof of the mouth. The nasopharynx acts as a passageway for air moving from the nose to the throat and lungs. It also helps filter the air you breathe and plays a role in voice production. Cancer occurs when cells in this area change (mutate) and grow out of control.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is treated by a team of head and neck surgeons, medical oncologists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Penn Medicine’s Head and Neck Cancer program provides advanced diagnostic, surgical, and nonsurgical treatment for this disease.
Types of nasopharyngeal cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer, also called nasopharyngeal carcinoma, can appear in several forms, and each type may require a different treatment approach. Penn Medicine provides care for all types of nasopharyngeal cancer, including:
- Lymphoma
- Minor salivary gland cancer
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Sarcoma
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancers
Nasopharyngeal cancer can be hard to detect early because the symptoms often resemble less serious conditions. Many people don’t experience symptoms until the cancer has progressed.
Common symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer include:
- Trouble opening the mouth
- Double or blurred vision
- Ear infections and hearing problems
- Ear fullness or pain
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Headaches
- A lump in the neck
- Stuffy nose and nosebleeds
- Facial pain or numbness
- Sore throat
Nasopharyngeal cancer risks and prevention
Nasopharyngeal cancer is rare, affecting about 1 in every 100,000 people nationwide. However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in southern Asia, China, and parts of North Africa. People with a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer are at a higher risk. Researchers believe it develops due to a combination of environmental and genetic or biological factors.
A diet high in salt-cured fish and meats is linked to an increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. Consuming more fruits and vegetables may help lower this risk.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products contain harmful chemicals that significantly increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. Regular smokers are at much higher risk, but quitting can reduce this risk.
Avoiding wood dust and chemicals like formaldehyde" should be an H3 with its own accordion and the corresponding copy should be: Some occupations increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer due to exposure to toxins like wood dust or formaldehyde, which are common in industries such as textiles
Some occupations increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer due to exposure to toxins like wood dust or formaldehyde, which are common in industries such as textiles.
Exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) raises the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. EBV is also associated with other cancers, such as lymphoma, and conditions like infectious mononucleosis.
People assigned male at birth are more likely to develop nasopharyngeal cancer than those assigned female at birth.
How is nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosed?
Your doctor might diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer if you have symptoms like a lump in your neck or a persistently stuffy nose without other cold symptoms. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure.
Penn Medicine’s specialists are experts in the evaluation and diagnosis of all types of nasopharyngeal cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, minor salivary gland cancer, lymphoma, and sarcoma. We offer the latest advancements in diagnostic tools and tests that provide the most accurate diagnosis.
Treating nasopharyngeal cancer
Nasopharyngeal tumors are most often treated with a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, or surgery alone. Our approach involves an individualized treatment plan tailored to the type and stage of your cancer. We’ve pioneered advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments for nasopharyngeal cancer to offer the best possible outcomes.
Nasopharyngeal cancer support services
At Penn Medicine, we provide a range of support programs and services to help you manage the physical and emotional impacts of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. We believe that care should extend beyond medical treatment, offering you tools to handle every stage of the process—from understanding your disease to managing treatment side effects to recovery and emotional support.
Our support services for nasopharyngeal cancer include:
- Patient and family counseling
- Home care services
- Hospice
- Nutritional counseling
- Palliative care and pain management
- Patient education
- Nurse navigators
- Stress management
- Support groups
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.