Ways To Treat Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is an area that includes the upper portions of the throat and the area behind the nose. While this cancer is rare in the United States, it is more common in Southeast Asia. Symptoms indicative of nasopharyngeal cancer include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, blood in saliva, nasal bleeding, frequent ear infections, sore throats, hearing loss, and headaches. Unfortunately, nasopharyngeal cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages. Doctors perform a health history and physical examination to diagnose this form of cancer, and a nasal endoscopy is typically needed. In a nasal endoscopy, a tube with a camera may be used to closely examine the inside of the nasal passages and throat. If any abnormalities are found, a biopsy of the area will be taken. Risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer include eating salt-cured foods and having had the Epstein-Barr virus. The methods described below are often used in the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer.