Malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx digital illustration

Malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx Save


ICD-10 code: C11

Chapter: Neoplasms

Malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Malignant neoplasm, commonly known as cancer, can occur in any part of the body. One of the rare types of cancer is malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx, which affects the nasopharynx region located behind the nose and above the back of the throat. This type of cancer is more common in males than females and has a higher incidence rate in people of Southeast Asian descent.

Causes: The exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is unknown, but it has been linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for infectious mononucleosis. Other factors that increase the risk of developing this cancer include age, family history, smoking, and exposure to certain chemicals and substances.

Symptoms: The early symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are often mild and easily ignored. However, as the cancer progresses, the symptoms become more prominent. Some common symptoms include:

  1. Difficulty in breathing or speaking
  2. Nasal congestion or discharge
  3. Ear pain or hearing loss
  4. Headaches and dizziness
  5. Blood in saliva or phlegm

Treatment: The treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer depends on the stage and severity of the cancer. Some common treatment options include:

  • Surgery: The removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue.
  • Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.

It is important to note that the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer can be challenging and may require a combination of treatments. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately if any of the symptoms mentioned above are experienced.

In conclusion, malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx is a rare type of cancer that affects the nasopharynx region. Although the exact cause of this cancer is unknown, certain factors increase the risk of developing this cancer. The symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are often mild in the early stages and become more prominent as the cancer progresses. The treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer depends on the stage and severity of the cancer and may require a combination of treatments.