Nasopharyngeal cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck in Asia, especially in China, with an incidence rate of 20-30/100,000 and a prevalence of 40-60 years old, with a male to female ratio of about 2:1. Its occurrence is closely related to EBV infection, diet and genetics. Since nasopharyngeal cancer is prone to spread to surrounding areas and metastasis, it becomes the main cause of death of patients.
How to detect nasopharyngeal cancer before it spreads and metastasizes so that timely intervention can be made becomes a matter of concern. Curious readers may be interested to know where exactly does this disease grow? As the name suggests, nasopharyngeal cancer is a cancer that grows in the nasopharynx, so it is helpful to know about the nasopharynx for early detection of nasopharyngeal cancer. The nasopharynx is the uppermost part of the pharynx, close to the base of the skull, with the nasal cavity in front and the eustachian tube in the middle ear on the side. Due to the special location, it is difficult to see clearly in general examination.
As we all know, most malignant tumors (commonly known as cancer) are actually neoplastic, rich in blood supply, grow fast, have a certain volume, and will occupy a certain space. Therefore, nasopharyngeal cancer occupying the breathing passage will have nasal congestion, rich blood vessels will have bleeding (especially returning aspiration with blood), and affecting the eustachian tube will have stuffy ear. With the above symptoms if there is no other reasonable explanation, the nasopharynx must be looked at carefully. At present, nasal endoscopy is the best tool to observe the nasopharynx, which is easy, fast and clear to operate, and it is very important to diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer in early stage.
Of course, early stage of nasopharyngeal cancer can also show enlarged cervical lymph nodes (metastasis), mostly under the bony prominence behind the ear. These lymph nodes are painless, fast-growing and hard, but should not be treated as lymphadenitis, and must be seen by an ENT doctor.
As readers may have noticed, all the places I have underlined are the symptoms shown in the early stage of nasopharyngeal cancer. Although these symptoms are not unique to nasopharyngeal cancer, they are definitely something to be concerned about, and the best way is to ask your doctor to help you find the answers.