​Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Diagnosing Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)

If nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is suspected, your doctor will perform an exam of the nasal and sinus areas and ask about your symptoms. The doctor may request imaging tests to help determine whether the cancer has spread.

Some types of NPC have a high tendency to spread to the cervical lymph nodes, even in early stages. Therefore, a diagnosis of NPC often can be made through a lymph node biopsy.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma symptoms

Because the cancer grows within air-filled spaces, symptoms of NPC may not arise until the tumor has grown large enough to obstruct airflow or affect the sense of smell or vision.

Other symptoms of NPC include:

• A lump in the neck caused by a swollen lymph node
• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Popping noises, hearing loss, and ear infection
• Nasal regurgitation of food and liquids
• Impaired “hypernasal” speech
• Headaches

In advanced cases, infiltration of NPC into the spine can cause:

• Stiff neck
• Pain
• Neck instability

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatments

Treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma may consist of:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy

Usually a combination of these treatments is offered, depending on several factors, including:

• The stage and type of the tumor
• Your age
• Your pre-existing medical conditions

Most nasal tumors, whether cancerous or not, require surgery.

Surgery

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma  may be approached directly using Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA). This state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to access the tumor through the natural corridor of the nose, without making an open incision. Surgeons then remove the tumor through the nose and nasal cavities.

EEA offers the benefits of no incisions to heal, no disfigurement, and a faster recovery time.

Radiotherapy

UPMC offers state-of-the-art radiation therapy as a treatment option. This allows doctors to directly target the nasal cavity and treat the cancer effectively — while limiting radiation that might adversely affect areas such as the eyes, optic nerves, brain, and spinal cord.

Chemotherapy

Anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy) may be used in combination with surgery and radiation therapy treatments.