Nasopharyngeal cancer is common in Thai men. It is caused by the EBV virus, fermented foods, and chemicals. The symptoms are similar to a chronic cold. If detected early, it can be cured. You should observe your symptoms and see a doctor.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers in Thailand. It is found in males about 2.5 times more than females. There are an average of 4 new patients per day and an average of 2 deaths per day (Cancer in Thailand statistics Vol.X, 2016-2018, เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย National Cancer Institute and Public Health Statistics 2021). It is a type of cancer that arises from abnormal cells in the area behind the nasal cavity and can spread to lymph nodes in the neck, nasal cavity, and throat.
Risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer
- The most important virus that causes nasopharyngeal cancer is EBV (Epstein–Barr) or Human Herpesvirus 4 (HHV4). Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer have higher antibodies to this virus than the general population.
- Eating processed meat containing nitrosamines, when inhaled, can cause the DNA of epithelial cells to change, leading to mutations.
- Exposure to various substances such as wood dust, leather, textiles, nickel formaldehyde compounds, chromium, and isopropyl alcohol can cause nasopharyngeal cancer.
Nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms
- Nasal symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, runny nose, phlegm or bloody mucus, loss of smell
- Neurological symptoms include headache, double vision, numbness, tingling in the cheek, pain above or below the eye, watery eyes, facial swelling, facial muscle paralysis, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, choking, and distorted taste and smell.
- Ear symptoms such as tinnitus, earache, hearing loss, fluid discharge from the ear, hearing loss
- Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, weight loss, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, etc.
Diagnosis
- A detailed medical history and physical examination of the patient by a specialist.
- Nasal and throat endoscopy and pathological biopsy
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNE) is used to examine the tissue for cancer cells in cases where there are swollen lymph nodes.
- Examination with a computerized tomography (CT) scanner
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Examine with a PET/CT scan
Treatment
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors before surgery.
- Chemotherapy slows down tumor growth and reduces the risk of recurrence.
- Surgery can be either open or laparoscopic, and surgery is necessary if there is residual cancer after radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy.
Nasopharyngeal cancer responds well to treatment and has a chance of being cured if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Therefore, timely diagnosis is an important factor affecting the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer. To prevent nasopharyngeal cancer, you should eat nutritious food, eat fresh vegetables and fruits regularly, avoid pickled foods, change your behavior to reduce the risk, such as quitting smoking, avoiding cigarette smoke, and always monitor your symptoms. If you find any abnormalities, you should consult a doctor immediately.