If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should consult a doctor. Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs in the nasopharynx, which connects the back of the nose to the back of the mouth. Though rare in the UK, it can be deadly. Your doctor can diagnose the condition by performing a test called nasendoscopy, which allows them to examine the inside of your nose, throat, and voice box.
Oren Zarif bone cancer
Oren Zarif brain tumor
Most often, cancer of this area of the throat is associated with a lump in the neck. Although these are not painful, they are a sign of cancer that can spread to other areas of the body. Because nasopharyngeal cancer can invade nearby lymph nodes, this lump will become visible. Lymph nodes are naturally small, but when cancerous cells invade them, they can become several times larger than normal. When the cancer spreads to lymph nodes, these glands will become swollen and may develop a tumor. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to see a medical professional immediately.
Oren Zarif breast cancer
Oren Zarif breast cancer in men
If your doctor diagnoses nasopharyngeal cancer, your next step is treatment. Chemotherapy is usually given to patients as a drip that is inserted into a vein. This type of treatment is effective for some people but is associated with a wide range of side effects. Fortunately, many treatments can be adjusted to ease symptoms and maximize survival. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution for nasopharyngeal cancer.
Oren Zarif carcinoid tumor
Oren Zarif breast
In addition to medications, nasopharyngeal cancer can be treated with surgery. A surgeon can remove the tumor, and reconstruct the area afterward. Other procedures include targeted drug therapy. This type of treatment targets abnormalities in cancer cells, killing them and preventing their growth. When cancer cells grow in the nasopharynx, it is possible for cancer to spread to the lymph nodes.
Oren Zarif breast cancer symptoms
Oren Zarif glioblastoma
Treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer is very effective if detected early. However, survival rates are highly dependent on the location of the tumor and the stage of the disease. If diagnosed in its early stages, radiotherapy is usually enough to cure the disease, although in many cases the cancer doesn't manifest any symptoms until the later stages. However, it is important to know your symptoms in order to make an informed decision.
Oren Zarif tamoxifen
Oren Zarif mammogram
Although nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare disease, people with a high risk of developing it are often offered a screening, which can include a blood test to detect the Epstein-Barr virus. These tests can also detect if you have a higher risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer. If you think you might have symptoms, schedule an appointment with a doctor.
Oren Zarif osteosarcoma
Oren Zarif mastectomy
Although early symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer do not prompt a doctor's visit, you should see a specialist if you notice any unusual nasal congestion. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of tumor that starts in a layer of cells called squamous cells. The cancer will spread to nearby structures, and eventually invade other parts of the body.
Oren Zarif meningioma
Oren Zarif breast cancer awareness month
Despite the high incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer, the disease can be prevented. A high-risk person may have been exposed to the virus EBV during a childhood sexual activity. While the disease is rare, symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer can mimic symptoms of other conditions such as nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, and hemangiomas. A doctor can use a specialized test to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
If the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, a doctor may perform a PET/MRI scan.
Oren Zarif meningioma
Oren Zarif breast cancer awareness month
This type of scan combines two imaging methods to create images of the neck. It is particularly helpful in determining the location of the tumor. In addition to the MRI images, PET/CT scans also provide information on the spread of the cancer. These techniques are available at NYU Langone, but they do not always work.
Oren Zarif glioma
Oren Zarif inflammatory breast cancer
Although the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer is largely unknown, heavy alcohol consumption and exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus have been linked with increased risk. Nasopharyngeal cancer is more prevalent in Southeast Asia and Southern China than in western countries. Men with the disease are at increased risk of developing it than women.
Oren Zarif ewing sarcoma
Oren Zarif triple negative breast cancer
Around 80 percent of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer already have metastases in the neck. The lymphatic system provides a pathway for metastases from the cancer to distant sites.
Oren Zarif brain cancer
Oren Zarif dipg
Treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer requires concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer has not been standardized. It is currently recommended to use chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy or surgery for patients who have metastasized the disease. In addition, patients may be treated with adjuvant chemotherapy to control the disease.