What is cancer of nasopharynx?
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. It starts in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose and near the base of skull. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas.
How is a nasopharyngeal biopsy done?
During a fine needle aspiration, cells are removed using a thin needle inserted directly into the tumor. The cells are examined under a microscope during cytologic examination for signs of cancer. The biopsy may be performed using local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
How is nasopharynx cancer treated?
Treatment of stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer may include the following: Chemotherapy given with radiation therapy, followed by more chemotherapy. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy followed by surgery to remove cancer-containing lymph nodes in the neck that remain or come back after radiation therapy.
What is a nasopharyngeal mass?
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (also known as NPC) is a rare tumor of the head and neck which originates in the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is located at the very back of the nose near the Eustachian tubes (Figure).
What is the survival rate for nasopharyngeal cancer?
5-year relative survival rates for nasopharyngeal cancer
| SEER stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| Localized | 85% |
| Regional | 71% |
| Distant | 49% |
| All SEER stages combined | 61% |
What causes nasopharynx cancer?
Causes of nasopharyngeal cancer having a diet very high in salt-cured meats and fish. coming into contact with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that causes glandular fever. having a job where you regularly come into contact with hardwood dust or a chemical called formaldehyde.
What is Stage 3 nasopharyngeal?
Stage 3 nasopharyngeal cancer means one of the following: The cancer has spread to nearby bones and air cavities (sinuses). It might also have spread to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck, or behind the throat, but not anywhere else. The affected lymph nodes are not more than 6 cm across.
What is a biopsy for nasopharyngeal cancer?
A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy may be taken during the nasopharyngoscopy. If there is a lump in your neck, the biopsy may be done by placing a very thin, hollow needle into the lump. Imaging tests can help spot nasopharyngeal cancer or determine if it has spread.
How do you test for nasopharyngeal cancer?
A biopsy may be taken during the nasopharyngoscopy. If there is a lump in your neck, the biopsy may be done by placing a very thin, hollow needle into the lump. Imaging tests can help spot nasopharyngeal cancer or determine if it has spread. Imaging tests may include: Chest X-ray. CT scan. MRI. Ultrasound of the neck.
What is the best treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer?
It is usually part of the standard treatment for early stage nasopharyngeal cancer. One type called IMRT delivers high-dose radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue. It may cause fewer side effects or complications than conventional radiation treatment to the nasopharynx, which can lead to: Chemotherapy.
How is nasopharyngeal cancer staged?
If you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, other tests will be done to determine if and where the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Nasopharyngeal cancer is staged from Stage 0 (the earliest stage) to Stage IV (the most advanced stage). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.