Nasopharyngeal cancer - malignant disease affecting the upper part of the pharynx. It occurs very rarely (at least in Russian) - pathology is 1% of the total number of cancer diseases, and 20% - of all tumors otolaryngology.
Causes of
To date, the exact causes are not able to identify nasopharyngeal carcinoma. But oncologists believe that the etiological factors that contribute to this disease are:
- chronic pathology of the upper airways;
- bad habits, namely: tobacco smoking, as well as different mixtures;
- Epstein-Barr virus;
- heredity.
Development of this type of cancer also promotes long interaction (inhalation) with certain chemicals. In addition, regular contact with the wood, construction dust and living in areas with adverse environmental conditions.
The symptoms in the early stages
At the beginning of the disease, when the tumor is very small, the symptoms are usually absent. With the progress of the disease there are general and local manifestations. The latter include:
- constant nasal congestion, wheezing;
- frequent nosebleeds;
- hearing impairment;
- the appearance of nasal, any change in voice tone;
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck from one side;
- halitosis, nose.
- pain that occurs when opening / closing the mouth.
When a tumor grows in the oculomotor nerve may reduce vision, there is diplopia, exophthalmos. The defeat of the trigeminal nerve is fraught with sharp pain in the face. If, however, in the pathological process are drawn retropharyngeal or vagus nerve, broken processes of swallowing, chewing, possible paralysis of the soft palate.
Diagnostics
The doctor handling required to collect history, listens carefully to the patient's complaints. By physical examination, in particular the front rhinoscopy performed, which enables to detect a neoplasm in the nasopharynx, as well as deformation of the paranasal sinuses. Appointed by histological examination, which helps determine the kind and type of the tumor, which directly depends on the choice of further treatment. The patient makes an X-ray CT or MRI and the nasal cavity of the skull, neck US (to determine metastasis).
Treatment
Selecting the method depends on the size and type of tumor, as well as the overall current condition of the patient. Distinguish between conservative therapies and operational. Surgical intervention in this case is the main method of treatment, including in conjunction with conservative methods.
forecasts
When nasopharyngeal cancer prognosis depends on the stage of the pathological process. The decisive factor is the patient's age, general state of health. If the tumor is detected in the early stages, the survival rate of patients is 75 - 80%.
pathology Prevention
Some special prevention of this cancer does not exist. By the same general guidelines include:
- healthy lifestyle;
- rejection of bad habits;
- lack of contact with toxic and carcinogenic substances;
- timely treatment of airway inflammation;
- prevention and adequate treatment of viral infections.
Nasopharyngeal cancer - a dangerous disease that can be fatal. And it is better regularly examined by an otolaryngologist, especially if there is a reason (see above). After all, the sooner will the disease is detected, the higher the chances to cope with the disease, prolong the patient's life.
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