Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (patient information)
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What is nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
Nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat (pharynx) that lies behind the noseare. It serves as a passageway for air from the nose to the throat. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is common in China. But in the United States and other countries, it is fairly rare. There is not any early symptoms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. With the development of the cancer, frequent symptoms include a lump or mass in the neck, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or feeling of fullness in the ear, nasal blockage or stuffiness, nosebleeds and headache. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy.
How do I know if I have nasopharyngeal carcinoma and what are the symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
Early nasopharyngeal carcinoma does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- A lump or mass in the neck
- Hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or feeling of fullness in the ear (especially on one side only)
- Nasal blockage or stuffiness or nosebleeds
- Headache
- Facial pain or numbness
- Trouble opening the mouth
- Blurred or double vision
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell his/her doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.