RESOURCES
Everything you need to know about Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer originating in the nasopharynx, the uppermost region of the pharynx (throat), behind the nose, where the nasal passages and auditory tubes join the remainder of the upper respiratory tract. It is at the center of the head and just underneath the brain.
INCIDENCE
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among ethnic Asian groups. Chinese individuals from Southern China have the highest risk of developing NPC. Statistics show that males are at a higher risk than…
THE NPC ENDEMIC
NPC is highly prevalent in the southern parts of China (30-250 per 100,000) including major cities like Hong Kong and Guangdong, accounting for 18% of all cancers in China. Intermediate incidence rates are found in Southeast Asia, the…
NPC & THE EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as the herpes virus 4 (HHV-4), is responsible for a common early childhood disease called infectious mononucleosis…
CLASSIFICATION
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignant tumor of the nasopharynx.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies NPC into three types…
STAGES
Staging of NPC is based on clinical and radiologic examination findings. Unfortunately, most patients are already in the advanced Stage III or IV of the disease when first examined…
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Because of the obscure anatomical location, patients with NPC may not show any signs or symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, it is difficult to identify…
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
The causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) include Epstein Barr Virus infection, ethnicity, age and gender, family history, and environmental factors…
DETECTION & DIAGNOSIS
There are currently six options to detect NPC:
Trans-oral mirror examination – this is the routine, visual examination of the…
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Radiation is highly effective in controlling and curing the disease and is the treatment of choice . In some situations, surgery may be an option for patients with…
WHY EARLY DETECTION MATTERS
The prognosis for NPC is significantly dependent upon the extent of disease at diagnosis. Patients with early disease have excellent long-term survival rates and prognosis.
Unfortunately, less than 20% of patients are diagnosed during the early, more treatable stages.
The ten-year survival rates for tumor stages I, II, III and IV are estimated to be 90%, 70%, 50% and 40% respectively, indicating better outcomes through early diagnosis and treatment.
GET SCREENED TODAY
NP Screen is a simple, in-office procedure that does not require a physician referral. Early detection saves lives.