Rak nosogardła
Objawy

Rak nosogardła (carcinoma nasopharyngis) to złośliwy nowotwór rozwijający się w górnej części gardła, za jamą nosową, charakteryzujący się wysokim potencjałem przerzutowym i trudnościami w wczesnym rozpoznaniu ze względu na niespecyficzne objawy i anatomiczną lokalizację. Najczęstszym objawem jest niebolesny guz szyi związany z przerzutami do regionalnych węzłów chłonnych, występujący u około 80% pacjentów. Typowe symptomy obejmują jednostronne zatkanie nosa, krwawienia z nosa, jednostronną utratę słuchu, szumy uszne, bóle głowy, drętwienie twarzy, zaburzenia widzenia, szczękościsk oraz dysfagię. Zaawansowane stadium często wiąże się z porażeniem nerwów czaszkowych (około 25% przypadków) i naciekaniem struktur takich jak trąbka Eustachiusza, podstawa czaszki czy mięśnie żwaczy. Przerzuty odległe występują u około 10-15% pacjentów przy rozpoznaniu, najczęściej do kości, płuc, wątroby i mózgu.

Objawy raka nosogardła

Rak nosogardła (łac. carcinoma nasopharyngis) to nowotwór złośliwy rozwijający się w górnej części gardła, za jamą nosową. We wczesnym stadium choroby pacjenci często nie doświadczają żadnych objawów, co znacząco utrudnia wczesne rozpoznanie. Objawy pojawiają się zazwyczaj dopiero, gdy guz osiągnie większe rozmiary lub gdy dojdzie do rozprzestrzenienia się nowotworu na okoliczne tkanki i węzły chłonne.12

Najczęstsze objawy raka nosogardła

Najczęstszym objawem raka nosogardła jest obecność niebolesnego guza lub zgrubienia w obrębie szyi, co wynika z przerzutów do regionalnych węzłów chłonnych. Ten objaw występuje u około 80% pacjentów i często stanowi pierwszy zauważalny symptom choroby.12 Węzły chłonne są zwykle powiększone, twarde i niebolesne, a zajęcie węzłów może być obustronne.1

Do innych typowych objawów raka nosogardła należą:123

  • Objawy nosowe: przewlekłe uczucie zatkania nosa (często jednostronne), krwawienia z nosa, wodnisty lub krwisty wyciek z nosa
  • Objawy uszne: jednostronna utrata słuchu, uczucie pełności lub zatkania ucha, szumy uszne (tinnitus), nawracające infekcje ucha, wyciek z ucha
  • Nawracające bóle głowy
  • Krwioplucie lub obecność krwi w ślinie
  • Drętwienie lub ból twarzy (szczególnie jednostronne)
  • Zaburzenia widzenia: niewyraźne widzenie, podwójne widzenie (diplopia)
  • Trudności w otwieraniu ust (szczękościsk, trismus)
  • Przewlekły ból gardła
  • Problemy z połykaniem (dysfagia)
  • Zmiana głosu (chrypka)

123

Objawy związane z lokalizacją guza

Objawy raka nosogardła są ściśle związane z lokalizacją guza i jego tendencją do naciekania okolicznych struktur anatomicznych:12

  • Naciekanie trąbki Eustachiusza: powoduje jednostronne uczucie pełności w uchu, upośledzenie słuchu, ból ucha, nawracające zapalenie ucha środkowego
  • Naciekanie podstawy czaszki: może prowadzić do bólu głowy, drętwienia twarzy, porażenia nerwów czaszkowych
  • Naciekanie jamy nosowej: powoduje niedrożność nosa, krwawienia z nosa, wyciek śluzowo-krwisty
  • Zajęcie mięśni żwaczy: trudności w otwieraniu ust (szczękościsk)

12

W zaawansowanym stadium porażenie nerwów czaszkowych występuje u około 25% pacjentów przy pierwszej prezentacji choroby.1 Najczęściej zajęte są nerwy: trójdzielny, odwodzący, bloczkowy, podjęzykowy i twarzowy.1

Progresja raka nosogardła

Drogi rozprzestrzeniania się nowotworu

Rak nosogardła charakteryzuje się wysokim potencjałem przerzutowym w porównaniu z innymi nowotworami głowy i szyi.1 Nowotwór może rozprzestrzeniać się na kilka sposobów:

  • Miejscowe naciekanie: guz rozrasta się i nacieka okoliczne struktury, takie jak podstawa czaszki, jama nosowa, gardło i okoliczne tkanki miękkie
  • Regionalne rozprzestrzenianie: przerzuty do węzłów chłonnych szyi (najczęściej zajęte są węzły szyjne przednio-górne)
  • Przerzuty odległe: rak nosogardła może dawać przerzuty do odległych narządów, najczęściej do kości, płuc, wątroby, odległych węzłów chłonnych i mózgu

123

Około 10% pacjentów z rakiem nosogardła ma przerzuty odległe w momencie rozpoznania, a u około 15% pacjentów występują przerzuty odległe.12 Obecność masywnej limfadenopatii szyjnej jest czynnikiem predykcyjnym przerzutów odległych.1

Stadia zaawansowania raka nosogardła

Stopniowanie raka nosogardła opiera się na badaniu klinicznym i radiologicznym. Większość pacjentów w momencie rozpoznania ma chorobę w stadium III lub IV.1

  • Stadium I: mały guz ograniczony do nosogardła
  • Stadium II: guz naciekający okoliczne tkanki lub z ograniczonym zajęciem węzłów chłonnych szyi
  • Stadium III: duży guz z lub bez zajęcia węzłów chłonnych szyi, lub guz z obustronnym zajęciem węzłów chłonnych
  • Stadium IV: duży guz naciekający struktury wewnątrzczaszkowe lub okolicę podskroniową, z rozległym zajęciem węzłów chłonnych szyi i/lub przerzutami odległymi

12

Czynniki prognostyczne

Najważniejszym czynnikiem prognostycznym w raku nosogardła jest stadium zaawansowania choroby w momencie rozpoznania.1 Wczesne wykrycie znacząco poprawia rokowanie. Wskaźniki pięcioletniego przeżycia specyficznego dla choroby wynoszą:1

  • Około 82% dla pacjentów z miejscowym rakiem nosogardła (bez przerzutów)
  • Około 72% dla pacjentów z regionalnym rakiem nosogardła (przerzuty do okolicznych węzłów chłonnych)
  • Około 49% dla pacjentów z przerzutami odległymi

1

Badanie retrospektywne obejmujące 4768 pacjentów wykazało istotny związek między czasem trwania objawów przed rozpoznaniem a stadium zaawansowania choroby – 58% pacjentów w stadium I i 39% pacjentów w stadium V zgłosiło objawy trwające krócej niż 6 miesięcy.1 Średni czas trwania objawów przed rozpoznaniem wynosił 8 miesięcy (zakres 1-36 miesięcy dla 95% pacjentów).1

Trudności w rozpoznaniu wczesnego stadium

Wczesne wykrycie raka nosogardła jest trudne z kilku powodów:12

  • Anatomiczna lokalizacja nosogardła utrudnia badanie
  • Wczesne objawy są niespecyficzne i podobne do innych, łagodniejszych schorzeń (np. infekcje górnych dróg oddechowych)
  • Brak objawów we wczesnym stadium choroby
  • Niska świadomość choroby, szczególnie w regionach o niskiej częstości występowania

123

Badanie wykazało, że jedna piąta rozpoznań raka nosogardła była opóźniona średnio o siedem miesięcy z powodu niskiej świadomości choroby, co skutkowało wykryciem wielu przypadków dopiero w stadium 3.1 Wskaźnik wyleczalności po leczeniu w stadium 3 wynosi tylko 60%, a spada poniżej 50% w stadium 4, podczas gdy wskaźnik wyleczalności wynosi 90% w przypadku leczenia we wczesnym stadium.1

Powikłania i następstwa raka nosogardła

W zaawansowanym stadium raka nosogardła mogą wystąpić różne powikłania związane z progresją guza oraz przerzutami:1

  • Naciekanie podstawy czaszki i mózgu: może powodować porażenie nerwów czaszkowych, bóle głowy, zaburzenia neurologiczne
  • Zajęcie kręgosłupa: może prowadzić do sztywności karku, bólu i niestabilności szyjnej1
  • Przerzuty do narządów odległych: płuca (duszność, kaszel), kości (ból), wątroba (zaburzenia funkcji)
  • Zespół paranowotworowy osteoartropatii (rzadko)1

Leczenie raka nosogardła, szczególnie radioterapia, może również prowadzić do różnych powikłań, takich jak:12

  • Niewydolność podniebienno-gardłowa (VPI): może powodować regurgitację nosową podczas jedzenia lub mówienia
  • Nadprodukcja śluzu: wynikająca z wpływu radioterapii na gruczoły śluzowe
  • Problemy ze słuchem: głuchota, szumy uszne
  • Zmęczenie i osłabienie ogólne
  • Oparzenia skóry i tkanek (2 i 3 stopnia)
  • Utrata włosów
  • Utrata zdolności mówienia, wąchania i smakowania podczas leczenia

Rozpoznanie raka nosogardła

Ze względu na niespecyficzny charakter objawów raka nosogardła, rozpoznanie często bywa opóźnione. Pacjenci powinni skonsultować się z lekarzem, jeśli doświadczają następujących objawów, szczególnie jeśli utrzymują się one dłużej niż 2-3 tygodnie:12

  • Niebolesny guzek na szyi, który nie ustępuje
  • Jednostronna utrata słuchu lub szumy uszne
  • Zatkanie nosa (szczególnie jednostronne)
  • Nawracające krwawienia z nosa
  • Przewlekłe bóle głowy
  • Drętwienie twarzy
  • Zaburzenia widzenia

12

Diagnostyka raka nosogardła obejmuje:12

  • Badanie fizykalne
  • Nazofaryngoskopię (endoskopowe badanie nosogardła)
  • Biopsję podejrzanej zmiany
  • Badania obrazowe (CT, MRI, PET)
  • Badania laboratoryjne, w tym oznaczenie DNA wirusa Epsteina-Barr (EBV)

Rokowanie

Rokowanie w raku nosogardła zależy od wielu czynników, w tym wieku pacjenta, ogólnego stanu zdrowia oraz stadium zaawansowania choroby w momencie rozpoznania.1 Wczesne wykrycie i leczenie znacząco poprawiają rokowanie.1

Radioterapia może często wyleczyć rak nosogardła we wczesnym stadium. Jednak ze względu na trudności w rozpoznaniu wczesnego stadium, choroba jest często diagnozowana w bardziej zaawansowanym stadium, co wymaga leczenia skojarzonego (chemioradioterapia).1

Nawet w zaawansowanym stadium, jeśli nowotwór nie rozprzestrzenił się poza region głowy i szyi, często możliwe jest jego wyleczenie.1 Jednak nawrót raka nosogardła stanowi wyzwanie terapeutyczne.1

Warto podkreślić, że ze względu na rzadkość występowania raka nosogardła w Polsce i Europie, świadomość tej choroby wśród lekarzy i pacjentów może być ograniczona, co dodatkowo utrudnia wczesne rozpoznanie. Dlatego tak ważne jest zwracanie uwagi na przedłużające się objawy ze strony nosa, uszu i szyi oraz ich odpowiednia diagnostyka.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Nasopharyngeal cancer
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer/
    Nasopharyngeal cancer shouldn’t be confused with other types of cancer that also affect the throat, such as laryngeal cancer and oesophageal cancer. […] It’s often difficult to recognise nasopharyngeal cancer because the symptoms are similar to other, less serious conditions. […] Also, many people with nasopharyngeal cancer don’t have any symptoms until the cancer reaches an advanced stage. […] Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer can include: a lump in the neck that doesnt go away after 3 weeks, hearing loss (usually only in 1 ear), tinnitus (hearing sounds that come from inside the body rather than from an outside source), a blocked or stuffy nose (usually only blocked on 1 side), nosebleeds, headaches, double vision, numbness in the bottom part of your face, swallowing problems, a hoarse voice, unintentional weight loss.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/988165-clinical
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma rarely comes to medical attention before it has spread to regional lymph nodes. Enlargement and extension of the tumor in the nasopharynx may result in symptoms of nasal obstruction (eg, congestion, nasal discharge, bleeding), changes in hearing (usually associated with blockage of the eustachian tube, but direct extension into the ear is possible), and cranial nerve palsies (usually associated with extension of the tumor into the base of the skull). Approximately 15% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma present with distant metastases. […] One study indicated the following symptoms: Nasal symptoms, including bleeding, obstruction, and discharge (78%); Ear symptoms, including infection, deafness, and tinnitus (73%); Headaches (61%); Neck swelling (63%). […] The most common physical finding is a neck mass consisting of painless firm lymph node enlargement (80%). Neck involvement is often bilateral; the most common nodes involved are the jugulodigastric, and upper and middle jugular nodes in the anterior cervical chain. Cranial nerve palsy at initial presentation is observed in 25% of patients. On nasopharyngoscopy, a mass arising in the nasopharynx is often visible. The most frequent site is the fossa of Rosenmller.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal carcinoma – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasopharyngeal_carcinoma
    NPC may present as a lump or a mass on both sides towards the back of the neck. These lumps usually are not tender or painful but appear as a result of the metastatic spread of the cancer to the lymph nodes, thus causing the lymph nodes to swell. […] Signs of nasopharyngeal cancer may appear as headaches, a sore throat, and trouble hearing, breathing, or speaking. […] Additional symptoms of NPC include facial pain or numbness, blurred or double vision, trouble opening the mouth, or recurring ear infections. If the ear infection does not present with an upper respiratory tract infection, then an examination should be done on the nasopharynx. […] Signs and symptoms related to the primary tumor include trismus, pain, otitis media, nasal regurgitation due to paresis (loss of or impaired movement) of the soft palate, hearing loss and cranial nerve palsy (paralysis). Larger growths may produce nasal obstruction or bleeding and a „nasal twang”. Metastatic spread may result in bone pain or organ dysfunction. Rarely, a paraneoplastic syndrome of osteoarthropathy (diseases of joints and bones) may occur with widespread disease.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal carcinoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375529
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma may not cause signs or symptoms at first. When it does cause symptoms, they might include: […] A lump in your neck caused by a swollen lymph node. […] Bleeding from the nose. […] Bloody saliva. […] Double vision. […] Ear infections. […] Facial numbness. […] Headaches. […] Hearing loss. […] Nasal stuffiness. […] Ringing in the ears, called tinnitus. […] Sore throat. […] Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is hard to find early. That’s most likely because the nasopharynx isn’t easy to examine. And there may be no symptoms at first.
  • #1 Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer | Canadian Cancer Society
    https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/nasopharyngeal/signs-and-symptoms
    Nasopharyngeal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Signs and symptoms often appear as the tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs or spreads to lymph nodes in the neck. The symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer usually appear on the same side of the body as the tumour. […] The most common symptom of nasopharyngeal cancer is a painless lump in the neck. Other signs and symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer include: nosebleeds or bloody discharge from the nose, a stuffy or blocked nose, pain or a feeling of fullness in one ear, constant infections in one ear, ringing in the ear, hearing difficulties or hearing loss, a sore throat that doesnt go away, weight loss, facial numbness or pain or paralysis of the face, frequent headaches, difficulty opening the jaw (called trismus), blurred or double vision.
  • #1 Diagnosing Nasopharyngeal Cancer | NYU Langone Health
    https://nyulangone.org/conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer/diagnosis
    NYU Langone doctors are experienced at diagnosing nasopharyngeal cancer, which develops in the nasopharynx, the top part of the throat. […] Most nasopharyngeal cancers begin in the epithelial cells, which line the nasopharynx. People typically do not experience symptoms when a nasopharyngeal tumor is small. […] As the tumor grows, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system. Swollen nodes in the neck may be the first noticeable sign of the condition. […] Nasopharyngeal cancers can grow and press on one of the two Eustachian tubes. These tubes connect the nasopharynx to the middle ear and help regulate pressure in and drain fluid from the middle ear. Nasopharyngeal cancer affecting the Eustachian tube can cause pain, fluid, or hearing loss in that ear.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1559589/
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a tumor arising from the epithelial cells that cover the surface and line the nasopharynx. […] Symptoms related to the primary tumor include trismus, pain, otitis media, nasal regurgitation due to paresis of the soft palate, hearing loss and cranial nerve palsies. […] Cervical lymphadenopathy is the initial presentation in many patients, and the diagnosis of NPC is often made by lymph node biopsy. […] Larger growths may produce nasal obstruction or bleeding and a „nasal twang”. […] Metastatic spread may result in bone pain or organ dysfunction. Rarely, a paraneoplastic syndrome of osteoarthropathy may occur with widespread disease.
  • #1 Metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: What we know and do not know | Visualized Cancer Medicine
    https://vcm.edpsciences.org/articles/vcm/full_html/2021/01/vcm20200018/vcm20200018.html
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has the highest metastatic rate among head and neck cancers, with its underlying mechanism not yet fully unveiled. […] Due to the hidden anatomical location of the nasopharynx, early NPC detection has always been a challenge, even in high-incidence areas, with screening for high-risk populations reported to help improve the early detection rate. Consequently, most NPCs in endemic areas are diagnosed at a loco-regionally late stage, with about 10% of NPC patients suffer from distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis. […] Metastasis is the main reason for treatment failure in NPC patients. This is a common challenge in our efforts to combat many cancer types as metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. […] Clinically, NPCs most common metastasis pattern is found at two organs/sites. Among the five organs that are frequently colonized by cancer cells, the bone is the most common metastatic NPC site, followed by the lung, the liver, distant lymph nodes, and the brain.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer and the Southeast Asian Patient | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0501/p1776.html
    The presentation may also include nasal obstruction, frank epistaxis or purulent, bloody rhinorrhea, hearing loss (which may be temporarily relieved with autoinsufflation), tinnitus or headache. Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer may report facial hyperesthesia, paresthesia or dysesthesia, sometimes in the distribution of the second and third divisions of the trigeminal nerve. […] Nasopharyngeal cancer was diagnosed and determined to be stage III (T3 N0: tumor invasion into the bony structures and/or paranasal sinuses; no regional lymph node metastasis). […] The presence of bulky cervical adenopathy is predictive of distant metastasis. Lungs, followed by bone, are the most common sites for metastasis.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal carcinoma – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasopharyngeal_carcinoma
    Staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is based on clinical and radiologic examination. Most patients present with Stage III or IV disease. […] Stage I is a small tumor confined to nasopharynx. […] Stage II is a tumor extending in the local area, or that with any evidence of limited neck (nodal) disease. […] Stage III is a large tumor with or without neck disease, or a tumor with bilateral neck disease. […] Stage IV is a large tumor involving intracranial or infratemporal regions, an extensive neck disease, and/or any distant metastasis.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal cancer | Canadian Cancer Society
    https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/nasopharyngeal
    Nasopharyngeal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms appear once the tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs. Most nasopharyngeal cancers are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to a lymph node in the neck. […] The most important prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal cancer is the stage.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21661-nasopharyngeal-cancer
    Many nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms are like symptoms of other, less serious illnesses. Having one or more of these symptoms doesnt mean you have nasopharyngeal cancer. But you should talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms that last for more than two weeks or they keep coming back. […] NPC can be cured if healthcare providers diagnose the condition before it spreads. […] Data kept by the American Cancer Society show 63% of people with nasopharyngeal cancer in the U.S. were alive five years after diagnosis. Like many cancer types, NPC survival rates improve if cancer is diagnosed before it can spread: An estimated 82% of people with local nasopharyngeal cancer were alive five years after diagnosis. Local NPC is cancer that hasnt spread to other areas of your body. An estimated 72% of people with regional nasopharyngeal cancer were alive five years after diagnosis. This is cancer in nearby lymph nodes, tissues and organs. An estimated 49% of people with cancer thats spread (metastasized) to more distant organs were alive five years after diagnosis.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: presenting symptoms and duration before diagnosis – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11847385/
    This is a retrospective analysis of 4768 patients with undifferentiated or non-keratinising carcinoma of the nasopharynx who were treated during 1 January 1976 to 31 December 1985. The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 8 months (range, 1-36 months for 95% of patients). […] A significant association between the duration of symptoms and the presenting stage was observed (P0.001); 58% and 39% of stage I and stage V patients, respectively, reported as having had symptoms for less than 6 months. […] Of the later presenters (those having had symptoms for 6 months or longer), 89% were given a full course of radical megavoltage radiotherapy, but 6% were too advanced for any irradiation attempt. Consequently, the 10-year actuarial disease-specific survival was significantly higher among the early presenters: 48% versus 42% (P0.001). The importance of early detection is emphasised.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer)
    https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    A painless lump in the neck, persistent ringing, hearing loss in one ear or unexplained nosebleeds may be matters of concern. They can be signs of nose cancer. […] Nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) is one of the more common cancers in Singapore with about 300 new cases diagnosed a year, but nose, or nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), is often not detected till it’s in the late stages. […] However, one of the biggest challenges facing the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer, he noted, is the difficulty in detecting it. […] The symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are also quite non-specific and there may not even be any signs in the early stages. […] Nasopharyngeal cancer, or nose cancer, is not easy to detect because the symptoms, a painless lump in the neck, nosebleeds and hearing changes, can be quite non-specific.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer)
    https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    The study revealed that a fifth of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) diagnoses were delayed for an average of seven months due to low awareness of the disease. This resulted in many nasopharyngeal cancers (nose cancers) only being detected when they are at stage 3. […] „The cure rate after treatment for stage 3 nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) is only 60 percent and it drops to below 50 percent in stage 4.” […] However, there is a 90 percent cure rate if the disease is treated at an early stage. This highlights the importance of awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer). […] One of the most common signs of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer), present in 75 percent of newly diagnosed cases, is the appearance of one or more lumps in the nose or on the neck.
  • #1
    https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    In the early stages of NPC, there are often no or mild symptoms. When the cancer progresses, some symptoms may show. Symptoms of NPC may include: […] In advanced NPC, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lung, bone or liver, symptoms such as breathlessness, cough or pain may surface. […] Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you have a strong family history of NPC (two or more first degree relatives with NPC), you may also wish to see a doctor to be screened for NPC. […] In the early stages, NPC may show no symptoms or only mild ones. As the disease progresses, common signs can include a painless lump in the neck, blood-tinged saliva, nasal blockage or hearing issues. […] Doctors diagnose NPC through procedures such as nasoendoscopy, biopsies and imaging tests like CT or MRI scans to examine abnormalities in the nasopharynx. […] Men, individuals with a family history of NPC, those from certain ethnic backgrounds (like Southern Chinese) and people who consume salted foods or smoke are at a higher risk of developing NPC.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Symptoms and Treatment | UPMC
    https://www.upmc.com/services/neurosurgery/brain/conditions/brain-tumors/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma symptoms include a lump in the neck caused by a swollen lymph node. […] Other symptoms of NPC include a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, popping noises, hearing loss, and ear infection. […] Nasopharyngeal carcinoma symptoms may not arise until the tumor has grown large enough to obstruct airflow or affect the sense of smell or vision. […] In advanced cases, infiltration of NPC into the spine can cause stiff neck, pain, and neck instability.
  • #1 Reddit – The heart of the internet
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Cancersurvivors/comments/t9fim3/sharing_my_experience_with_nasopharyngeal/
    I suffered from 2nd and 3rd-degree burns, I lost my hair, the ability to speak, smell, taste and talk for the majority of the treatment period. […] Sometimes when I’m eating or drinking and I swallow, foods or liquids come out of my nose, or sometimes I would find them later in the tissue when I blow my nose. Google says it is Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) or nasal regurgitation. It happens when the nasopharynx does not close properly during eating or speaking. […] The radiation also affected the mucous glands. It made them produce way more than needed. So I ALWAYS, ALL THE TIME, EVERY DAY, EVERY SECOND have excess mucous and sputum that causes a lot of complications. […] The treatment also caused a lot of problems. Firstly, hearing problems. I was half deaf post-treatment for a really long time.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal cancer
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer/
    See a GP if you have any of these symptoms, particularly if they haven’t improved after 3 weeks. […] It’s very unlikely they’ll be caused by nasopharyngeal cancer, but it’s best to get them checked out. […] The outlook for nasopharyngeal cancer depends on your age, general health and how advanced the condition is when you’re diagnosed. […] Radiotherapy can often cure very early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer. But it’s sometimes diagnosed at a more advanced stage because it doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms until later on. […] More advanced cancers are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They’re often curable if the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the head and neck region.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal cancer | NHS inform
    https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/nasopharyngeal-cancer/
    Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the part of the throat connecting the back of the nose to the back of the mouth (the pharynx). […] Its often difficult to recognise nasopharyngeal cancer because the symptoms are similar to other, less serious conditions. Also, many people with nasopharyngeal cancer dont have any symptoms until the cancer reaches an advanced stage. […] Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer can include: a lump in the neck, hearing loss usually only in 1 ear, tinnitus hearing sounds that come from inside the body rather than from an outside source, a blocked or stuffy nose, nosebleeds. […] Speak to your GP if you develop any worrying symptoms, particularly if they dont improve after a few weeks. While theyre very unlikely to be caused by nasopharyngeal cancer, its best to get them checked out. […] Once these tests are complete, your doctors will be able to confirm whether you have nasopharyngeal cancer. Theyll also be able to stage the cancer, which means giving it a score to describe how large it is and how far it has spread.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer | MD Anderson Cancer Center
    https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/throat-cancer/nasopharyngeal-cancer.html
    Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer include: […] A lump in the neck resulting from swollen lymph nodes […] Trouble opening the mouth […] Trouble breathing and speaking […] Trouble swallowing […] The feeling of a stuffy nose […] Nose bleeds […] Frequent ear infections […] Hearing problems, including difficulty hearing and tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears […] Vision problems, including blurred and double vision […] Frequent headaches […] Imaging exams can help locate the suspected cancer and show whether it has spread. They can also be used to monitor the diseases progression and how it is responding to treatment.
  • #1 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Should Not Be Overlooked | Bangkok Cancer Hospital
    https://www.wattanosothcancerhospital.com/en/all-about-cancer/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma may not seem real and will not show any symptoms in the early stages. The next thing you know, it may have spread to block your airway passage. Self-awareness and self-observation are important so that it can be treated as soon as possible to increase the chance of a cure and return to quality living. […] It is difficult to discover during routine physical examination, the main reason why patients are diagnosed when it has already spread and manifests as a neck mass, double vision, ringing in the ears, etc. […] Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma include nasal symptoms, such as bloody mucous or excessive mucous, chronic congestion; ear symptoms, such as tinnitus, ringing in the ear, ear discharge; neck lump can occur if the cancer has spread to the lymph node; neurological symptoms, such as headache, facial numbness, blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, etc. […] Nasopharyngeal carcinoma responds well to treatment and has a good chance of a cure if it has been discovered and treated in the early stages.
  • #1 Childhood Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
    https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/childhood-nasopharyngeal-carcinoma
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare cancer that arises in a childs nasal cavity and pharynx (throat). It is uncommon in children under age 10. Between 10 and 19, the incidence rises. […] The most common symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma include: Nasal bleeding, obstruction, or discharge, Ear symptoms, including infection, tinnitus, or deafness, Headache, Neck swelling, Neck mass, which is usually painless, Facial muscle paralysis. […] When children receive a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, the overall survival rate is 55-80 percent. Recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas are challenging to treat, but the use of innovative cell therapy approaches has shown promising results.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal cancer | Canadian Cancer Society
    https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/nasopharyngeal
    Nasopharyngeal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms appear once the tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs. Most nasopharyngeal cancers are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to a lymph node in the neck. […] The most important prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal cancer is the stage.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21661-nasopharyngeal-cancer
    Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in your nasopharynx, the tissue that connects the back of your nose to the back of your mouth. The most common symptom is a painless lump on the back of your neck, but it may also affect your ears, causing hearing loss or chronic ear infections. It can cause facial pain and numbness as well. Specific treatment depends on the stage of cancer. […] In most cases, people with nasopharyngeal cancer notice a lump on the back of their neck. There may be one or multiple lumps, and theyre usually not painful. These masses appear when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in your neck and causes them to swell. […] There are also several other warning signs such as: Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears. Hearing loss. A feeling of fullness in your ears. Ear infections that wont go away. Headaches. Stuffy nose. Nosebleeds. Difficulty opening your mouth. Facial pain. Facial numbness. Difficulty breathing or speaking.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal cancer
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer/
    Nasopharyngeal cancer shouldn’t be confused with other types of cancer that also affect the throat, such as laryngeal cancer and oesophageal cancer. […] It’s often difficult to recognise nasopharyngeal cancer because the symptoms are similar to other, less serious conditions. […] Also, many people with nasopharyngeal cancer don’t have any symptoms until the cancer reaches an advanced stage. […] Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer can include: a lump in the neck that doesnt go away after 3 weeks, hearing loss (usually only in 1 ear), tinnitus (hearing sounds that come from inside the body rather than from an outside source), a blocked or stuffy nose (usually only blocked on 1 side), nosebleeds, headaches, double vision, numbness in the bottom part of your face, swallowing problems, a hoarse voice, unintentional weight loss.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Symptoms, treatment, and more
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma-overview
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) can cause several nonspecific symptoms. […] Early symptoms a person with NPC may experience include: nosebleeds, nasal congestion, lump in the throat, sore throat, difficulty hearing, pain, pulsing, or ringing in the ears. […] As the condition develops, symptoms may include: headaches, facial weakness or numbness, double vision, strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes. […] Having one or more symptoms associated with the cancer does not necessarily mean a person has the cancer. […] Some of the first symptoms of NPC can include nasal congestion, nosebleeds, a lump or pain in the throat, hearing problems, and pain in the ears. […] Whether NPC is curable can depend on the stage of the condition, as well as other factors such as a person’s overall health. Radiation therapy may cure early stage NPC. Chemoradiation may help cure NPC in advanced stages, particularly if the cancer has not spread beyond the neck and head.
  • #2 Diagnosing Nasopharyngeal Cancer | NYU Langone Health
    https://nyulangone.org/conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer/diagnosis
    As cancer grows it may block a nasal passage, causing a stuffy nose. Some people experience nosebleeds. […] Nasopharyngeal cancer can also enter the skull base, an area filled with complex nerves and blood vessels at the base of the brain. The skull base sits behind the eyes and above the nasal cavity and separates the brain from other structures of the head. As a tumor spreads to the skull base, it can press on critical nerves, causing problems with vision, headaches, and facial pain.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal Cancer – Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear-nose-and-throat-disorders/tumors-of-the-head-and-neck/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    Symptoms develop late, including unilateral bloody nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, hearing loss, ear pain, facial swelling, and facial numbness. […] Another common presenting symptom is hearing loss, usually caused by nasal or eustachian tube obstruction leading to a middle ear effusion. Other symptoms include ear pain, purulent bloody rhinorrhea, frank epistaxis, and cranial nerve palsies. […] Palpable lymph nodes in the neck are the most common presenting finding in nasopharyngeal cancer; other symptoms include nasal congestion with epistaxis, blood in the saliva, and hearing loss.
  • #2 Metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: What we know and do not know | Visualized Cancer Medicine
    https://vcm.edpsciences.org/articles/vcm/full_html/2021/01/vcm20200018/vcm20200018.html
    While anti-metastasis drugs are not available for many malignancies in current clinical practice, tremendous efforts have been spent over the last two decades trying to unveil the regulatory mechanisms of cancer cells metastatic ability. […] Given that metastasis is the main reason for treatment failure in NPC, the metastatic ability of sarcomatoid NPC cells cannot be neglected. […] The transition of epithelial cells to mesenchymal like-cells is called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It is widely believed that EMT is the initial step in the cascade of cancer metastasis. […] Based on our findings and other reports, the metastatic ability of NPC cells correlates with EMT. […] EBV infection is an important factor in promoting NPC cellular motility and metastasis from multiple angles and involves multiple signaling pathways. […] Taken together, metastasis in NPC is the bottleneck for further improvement of treatment outcomes.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal Cancer Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/988165-clinical
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma rarely comes to medical attention before it has spread to regional lymph nodes. Enlargement and extension of the tumor in the nasopharynx may result in symptoms of nasal obstruction (eg, congestion, nasal discharge, bleeding), changes in hearing (usually associated with blockage of the eustachian tube, but direct extension into the ear is possible), and cranial nerve palsies (usually associated with extension of the tumor into the base of the skull). Approximately 15% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma present with distant metastases. […] One study indicated the following symptoms: Nasal symptoms, including bleeding, obstruction, and discharge (78%); Ear symptoms, including infection, deafness, and tinnitus (73%); Headaches (61%); Neck swelling (63%). […] The most common physical finding is a neck mass consisting of painless firm lymph node enlargement (80%). Neck involvement is often bilateral; the most common nodes involved are the jugulodigastric, and upper and middle jugular nodes in the anterior cervical chain. Cranial nerve palsy at initial presentation is observed in 25% of patients. On nasopharyngoscopy, a mass arising in the nasopharynx is often visible. The most frequent site is the fossa of Rosenmller.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal cancer | Cancer Research UK
    https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    Nasopharyngeal cancer can cause symptoms. For example, nose and ear problems, as well as other symptoms such as a lump in the neck. […] The stage of a cancer tells you about the size of the tumour and whether it has spread. Your doctor uses this information to help them decide on treatment.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer)
    https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    The study revealed that a fifth of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) diagnoses were delayed for an average of seven months due to low awareness of the disease. This resulted in many nasopharyngeal cancers (nose cancers) only being detected when they are at stage 3. […] „The cure rate after treatment for stage 3 nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) is only 60 percent and it drops to below 50 percent in stage 4.” […] However, there is a 90 percent cure rate if the disease is treated at an early stage. This highlights the importance of awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer). […] One of the most common signs of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer), present in 75 percent of newly diagnosed cases, is the appearance of one or more lumps in the nose or on the neck.
  • #2 Reddit – The heart of the internet
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Cancersurvivors/comments/t9fim3/sharing_my_experience_with_nasopharyngeal/
    Post-treatment, I was fatigued for the most part. I did not have energy, I was anaemic and it took me a long time to get back on my feet. […] As you would expect, cancer can have a toll on our mental health. I honestly had no hope of surviving it, especially because all the people that I know that were diagnosed with cancer passed away. […] I live in a toxic society where people are betting on me getting my cancer back and expecting me to drop dead any day.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21661-nasopharyngeal-cancer
    Many nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms are like symptoms of other, less serious illnesses. Having one or more of these symptoms doesnt mean you have nasopharyngeal cancer. But you should talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms that last for more than two weeks or they keep coming back. […] NPC can be cured if healthcare providers diagnose the condition before it spreads. […] Data kept by the American Cancer Society show 63% of people with nasopharyngeal cancer in the U.S. were alive five years after diagnosis. Like many cancer types, NPC survival rates improve if cancer is diagnosed before it can spread: An estimated 82% of people with local nasopharyngeal cancer were alive five years after diagnosis. Local NPC is cancer that hasnt spread to other areas of your body. An estimated 72% of people with regional nasopharyngeal cancer were alive five years after diagnosis. This is cancer in nearby lymph nodes, tissues and organs. An estimated 49% of people with cancer thats spread (metastasized) to more distant organs were alive five years after diagnosis.
  • #2 Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer)
    https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    Other signs and symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) include frequent headaches or nosebleeds, blood-stained sputum or unexplained weight loss. […] In some cases, people experience a change in hearing. These hearing changes may present as a sudden loss of hearing, ringing in the ear or a feeling of blockage. […] If these symptoms appear and do not heal or go away with time or treatment, you should consider seeking advice from an ENT specialist. […] Dr Ranjit pointed out that since nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) has a high rate of cure in its early stages, early detection is therefore the best way to tackle it. It is important to know if you are in a high risk group, he said, Those with a family history (especially first-degree relatives) of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) should be screened for the disease. […] It is also important not to ignore symptoms like hearing loss in one ear, blood stained phlegm and neck lumps especially if these are persistent. Early detection will improve the outcomes for the patient and greatly increase the chance of a cure.
  • #2
    https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    In the early stages of NPC, there are often no or mild symptoms. When the cancer progresses, some symptoms may show. Symptoms of NPC may include: […] In advanced NPC, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lung, bone or liver, symptoms such as breathlessness, cough or pain may surface. […] Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you have a strong family history of NPC (two or more first degree relatives with NPC), you may also wish to see a doctor to be screened for NPC. […] In the early stages, NPC may show no symptoms or only mild ones. As the disease progresses, common signs can include a painless lump in the neck, blood-tinged saliva, nasal blockage or hearing issues. […] Doctors diagnose NPC through procedures such as nasoendoscopy, biopsies and imaging tests like CT or MRI scans to examine abnormalities in the nasopharynx. […] Men, individuals with a family history of NPC, those from certain ethnic backgrounds (like Southern Chinese) and people who consume salted foods or smoke are at a higher risk of developing NPC.
  • #3 Nasopharyngeal Cancer | MD Anderson Cancer Center
    https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/throat-cancer/nasopharyngeal-cancer.html
    Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer include: […] A lump in the neck resulting from swollen lymph nodes […] Trouble opening the mouth […] Trouble breathing and speaking […] Trouble swallowing […] The feeling of a stuffy nose […] Nose bleeds […] Frequent ear infections […] Hearing problems, including difficulty hearing and tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears […] Vision problems, including blurred and double vision […] Frequent headaches […] Imaging exams can help locate the suspected cancer and show whether it has spread. They can also be used to monitor the diseases progression and how it is responding to treatment.
  • #3 Learn About Nasopharyngeal Cancer & Its Treatment | ACTC
    https://actchealth.com/blogs/a-comprehensive-guide-to-nasopharyngeal-cancer-symptoms-and-treatment
    Nasopharyngeal cancer, also known as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), is a rare form of head and neck cancer. […] The majority of individuals diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer report the presence of a neck lump or mass. These lumps are not usually tender or painful and they may be present on both sides of the neck towards the rear. […] Apart from the neck lump or mass, individuals may also experience a few additional symptoms, which are as follows: Hearing impairment, tinnitus, discomfort, or a sensation of fullness in the ear (particularly on one side) […] Recurrent ear infections […] Nasal congestion or a blocked nose […] Episodic nosebleeds […] Headaches […] Facial discomfort or numbness […] Difficulty in opening the mouth […] Challenges in breathing or speaking. […] Many of the nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms are also associated with other less severe conditions. Therefore, those who are experiencing any of these issues should seek immediate medical attention to identify and address the underlying cause.
  • #3 Nasopharyngeal Cancer and the Southeast Asian Patient | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0501/p1776.html
    The presentation may also include nasal obstruction, frank epistaxis or purulent, bloody rhinorrhea, hearing loss (which may be temporarily relieved with autoinsufflation), tinnitus or headache. Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer may report facial hyperesthesia, paresthesia or dysesthesia, sometimes in the distribution of the second and third divisions of the trigeminal nerve. […] Nasopharyngeal cancer was diagnosed and determined to be stage III (T3 N0: tumor invasion into the bony structures and/or paranasal sinuses; no regional lymph node metastasis). […] The presence of bulky cervical adenopathy is predictive of distant metastasis. Lungs, followed by bone, are the most common sites for metastasis.
  • #3 Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer)
    https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/nasopharyngeal-cancer
    Other signs and symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) include frequent headaches or nosebleeds, blood-stained sputum or unexplained weight loss. […] In some cases, people experience a change in hearing. These hearing changes may present as a sudden loss of hearing, ringing in the ear or a feeling of blockage. […] If these symptoms appear and do not heal or go away with time or treatment, you should consider seeking advice from an ENT specialist. […] Dr Ranjit pointed out that since nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) has a high rate of cure in its early stages, early detection is therefore the best way to tackle it. It is important to know if you are in a high risk group, he said, Those with a family history (especially first-degree relatives) of nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer) should be screened for the disease. […] It is also important not to ignore symptoms like hearing loss in one ear, blood stained phlegm and neck lumps especially if these are persistent. Early detection will improve the outcomes for the patient and greatly increase the chance of a cure.