Nasopharynx

This is the upper 1/3 of the throat (pharynx). Nasopharyngeal cancers are most commonly squamous cell carcinoma. Nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (NPSCC) are more common in individuals of East Asian decent and are associated with certain risk factors. Other less commonly seen cancers in the Nasopharynx are adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, lymphoma and melanoma.

 
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Signs & Symptoms

  • Stuffy nose

  • Bleeding from the nose (epistaxis)

  • Earache

  • Headache

  • Mass in the neck

It Includes

  • The area of the throat that is behind the nose.

  • The nasopharynx lies between the base of the skull and the roof of the mouth.

  • The inner ears also opens into this area through the Eustachian tubes.

Risk Factors

  • East Asian decent

  • Epstein-Barr virus infection (EBV)

  • Certain profession associated with fine particles or vapours such as wood cutters, painters, etc

  • Smoking

  • Tobacco Snuff