Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose.

While uncommon in the United States, this cancer occurs more frequently in Southeast Asia and certain other regions worldwide.

Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presents challenges because the nasopharynx is difficult to examine. In addition, symptoms may not appear in early stages, and the location makes routine screening complicated.

Signs and Symptoms

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma often has no early signs. As it develops, you might notice:

  • A swollen lump in your neck
  • Nosebleeds
  • Blood in your saliva
  • Vision problems (seeing double)
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Numbness or tingling in your face
  • Headaches
  • Hearing difficulties
  • Stuffy or blocked nose (often one-sided)
  • Tinnitus (ringing sounds in ears)
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
  • Postnasal drip or chronic runny nose

These symptoms may start mild and get worse over time. Many people first notice a lump in their neck before other signs appear.

When to Visit a Healthcare Provider

If you experience any of these symptoms and they worry you, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Don’t ignore symptoms that persist for more than two weeks.

Due to its hidden location, this condition can be difficult to detect early. That’s why it’s important to watch for signs such as persistent nasal issues, hearing changes, or unusual swelling in the neck and seek medical attention promptly if they occur.

Causes

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma occurs when cells in the nasopharynx (upper part of the throat) undergo DNA changes. These changes disrupt normal cellular processes.

In healthy cells, DNA provides instructions for normal growth rates, proper cell multiplication, and scheduled cell death.

When DNA mutations happen, cells receive altered instructions. This leads to:

  • Rapid reproduction of abnormal cells
  • Cells that don’t die when they should
  • Formation of tumors (cell masses)

These tumors can invade nearby healthy tissue and destroy it. Cancer cells may eventually break away from the original tumor and travel to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.

While the exact trigger for these DNA changes often remains unknown, several factors might increase risk. Environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and certain infections may all play roles in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The abnormal growth pattern distinguishes cancer cells from healthy ones. Instead of following the body’s natural growth controls, cancer cells continue multiplying without the normal checks and balances that regulate healthy tissue.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase a person’s chance of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma:

Geographic and Ethnic Background

People from certain parts of China, Southeast Asia, northern Africa, and the Arctic have higher rates of this cancer. Your ancestry from these regions might raise your risk.

Age

While nasopharyngeal carcinoma can develop at any age, it most commonly affects adults between 30 and 60 years old.

Diet Choices

Consuming salt-cured foods may increase risk. The chemicals released during cooking these foods (like preserved vegetables and fish) can enter the nasal passage as steam, potentially causing harm. Exposure to these chemicals during childhood may be especially significant.

Viral Infection

The Epstein-Barr virus has been linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This common virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms or sometimes mononucleosis.

Genetic Factors

Having a family member with nasopharyngeal carcinoma increases your own risk, suggesting a possible genetic component.

Lifestyle Habits

Heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use can significantly raise your risk of developing this type of cancer.

Complications

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma can lead to several complications as it progresses.

  • Growth into Nearby Structures: When the cancer advances, it may grow large enough to invade surrounding tissues. This can affect the throat, bones, and even brain tissue.
  • Spread To Lymph Nodes: The cancer commonly spreads first to lymph nodes in the neck area.
  • Metastasis To Distant Sites: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma can spread beyond its original location to other parts of the body. The most common sites for this spread include:
    • Bones
    • Lungs
    • Liver

Ways to Reduce Risk

Currently, routine screening isn’t done in the United States and other regions where this cancer is uncommon. Doctors don’t typically test people without symptoms.

In areas with higher rates, like certain parts of China, screening may be available for high-risk individuals. These tests often look for Epstein-Barr virus in the blood. This virus has strong links to this cancer type.

While you can’t completely prevent this cancer, you can take steps to lower your risk. Consider these simple changes:

  • Avoid all tobacco products
  • Reduce or eliminate salt-cured foods from your diet
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle

These small changes might help reduce your chances of developing this cancer, especially if you have other risk factors.


Related Questions

Responses are AI-generated

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.