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Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a rare cancer arising from the nasopharynx, a part of the throat situated behind the nose and above the back of the mouth. The nasopharynx is a passageway for air from the nose to the lungs and is a joint between the throat and the middle ear. Unlike other head and neck cancers, nasopharyngeal cancer differs because of its site, causes, and treatment strategy. The problem often begins in epithelial cells inside the nasopharynx. This disease can be treated early, and the outcomes are greatly improved. Advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions led by Dr. Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, one of the top nasopharyngeal cancer specialists in Delhi, follow patient-centric protocols.

What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer?

Nasopharyngeal cancer starts in the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. NPC is unique from other head and neck cancers because it is induced and progresses differently. NPC is more prevalent in certain regions of Asia and North Africa, but globally, it is still considered rare. Timely diagnosis, however, is the mainstay of treatment, and outcomes also depend on how informed people are of symptoms and risk factors.

The following symptoms are common-

  • Nasal congestion or blockage that persists
  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Ringing in the ears, hearing loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes causing neck lumps
  • Persistent headaches

 

If you have any of these symptoms, visit a nasopharyngeal oncologist in Delhi for immediate evaluation and treatment.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): This virus is a primary risk factor and is strongly linked to Nasopharyngeal cancer.

Genetic Predisposition: Anyone can develop NPC, though susceptibility increases if you have a family history of the disease.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, drinking too much, and eating lots of salt-cured foods.

Environmental Exposure: Anyone who is exposed to chemicals or wood dust repeatedly.

 

It is always advisable to seek the counsel of a Nasopharyngeal Cancer Doctor in Delhi, as treatment selection will largely depend on the evaluation of various effective options for each case.

Different Stages of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ is confined to the lining of the nasopharynx.

Stage I: Cancer is in the nasopharynx.

Stage II: It spreads to nearby tissues or to lymph nodes.

Stage III: It invades around structures, such as the bones or throat.

Stage IV: Distant metastatic disease with advanced cancer.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnostic tools and methods include:

Nasopharyngoscopy: Pointing a flexible camera into the nasopharynx.

Imaging Tests: These tests detect tumors and see if they have spread further.

Biopsy: This is done to confirm cancer cells in the tissue samples.

Blood Tests: Epstein-Barr Virus DNA screening.

 

Treatment methods at the nasopharyngeal cancer specialists in Delhi include:

Radiation Therapy

This is usually the first line of treatment for NPC. New approaches like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) reduce injury to the surrounding normal tissues.

Chemotherapy

Administered together with radiation therapy for the advanced stages. It aims to act on cancer cells all over the body to stop them from spreading.

Immunotherapy

The body’s immune system is focused on cancer eradication through this novel intervention.

 

If you or someone close to you is experiencing trouble with nasopharyngeal cancer, do not wait any longer. Make an appointment with Dr. Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, A renowned nasopharyngeal cancer specialist in Delhi, for an assessment and to receive personalized treatment for you.

Faq & Answer

frequency and questions We can Provide.

A rare type of cancer, NPC (nasopharyngeal cancer), starts in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat above the nose. The majority are associated with EBV, smoking or certain dietary habits, and genetics.

Common symptoms include nasal congestion or blockages that last longer than a day or two, as well as lumps or swelling of the neck, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or hearing loss; advanced cases include facial numbness or headaches.

While the exact cause is unclear, several risk factors include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, a diet consisting of salt-cured foods, or smoking and alcohol consumption.

 

Early stages: Appropriate treatment has high survival rates (up to 90%).

Advanced stages: Outcomes are improving, but rates are lower.

While it may not always be preventable, you can reduce the risk by avoiding tobacco and alcohol, keeping yourself healthy by diet and lifestyle, and timely consulting a nasopharyngeal cancer specialist in Delhi.