DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cancer

Nasopharyngeal Cancer

HIGH SEVERITY

Cancer arising from the nasopharynx, the area behind the nose and above the back of the throat. Strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), genetic factors, and certain dietary habits (salted fish). Common in Southeast Asia and North Africa.

Global Affected

130.0K

Countries

77

Symptoms

Neck mass/lymph node
Blood in saliva
Nasal congestion
Hearing loss/tinnitus
Headaches
Double vision
Nosebleeds
Facial numbness
Sore throat

Treatment Options

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
Chemotherapy (cisplatin-based)
Chemoradiation
Salvage surgery (recurrent)
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Neck dissection

Risk Factors

1Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
2Salted fish consumption
3Smoking
4Alcohol
5Male gender
6Chinese/Asian ancestry
7Family history
8HLA types
9Cantonese ethnicity

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Nasopharyngoscopy
  • 2Biopsy
  • 3MRI/CT of head/neck
  • 4PET-CT (staging)
  • 5EBV DNA testing
  • 6Complete blood count
  • 7Liver function tests

Prognosis

Generally good due to radiosensitivity. 5-year survival: Stage I: >90%, Stage II: 80%, Stage III: 75%, Stage IV: 60%. EBV DNA levels predict prognosis and recurrence.

Prevention

  • Limit salted fish consumption
  • Avoid smoking
  • Limit alcohol
  • EBV management (research ongoing)
  • Screening in high-risk populations

Research Status

Radiation therapy is primary treatment. Chemoradiation for locally advanced. Excellent response to radiation due to undifferentiated histology. Immunotherapy for recurrent/metastatic. EBV DNA monitoring for recurrence detection.

Affected Countries

ChinaHong KongTaiwanSingaporeMalaysiaIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamThailandKHLAMMMNKPSouth KoreaJapanEgyptAlgeriaMoroccoTunisiaLibyaSudanUnited StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainBrazilMexicoRussiaIndiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth AfricaTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitBHOmanJordanLebanonSyriaIraqIranPakistanBangladeshLK

Sources

  • https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/nasopharyngeal-cancer.html
  • https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/nasopharyngeal-treatment-pdq
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.