Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
EBV-associated head and neck malignancy with high responsiveness to chemoradiation.
This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →
What is Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma?
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosa, particularly the fossa of Rosenmuller. WHO classifies it into keratinizing squamous (Type I), non-keratinizing differentiated (Type II), and non-keratinizing undifferentiated (Type III) — the latter strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and most prevalent in southern China, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Distinct epidemiology shows endemic regions with incidence over 25 per 100,000, contrasting with under 1 per 100,000 in Western populations. Risk factors include EBV infection, salted-fish diet (especially in childhood), tobacco use, and genetic susceptibility (HLA polymorphisms).
Most patients present with cervical lymphadenopathy, epistaxis, nasal obstruction, hearing loss, or cranial nerve palsies due to skull base invasion. Diagnosis combines flexible endoscopy with biopsy, MRI of the nasopharynx and neck, plasma EBV DNA, and PET-CT for staging. Concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin is standard for stages II-IVA, with adjuvant or induction chemotherapy in high-risk disease.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Persistent unilateral cervical lump
- Unilateral nasal obstruction or epistaxis
- Unilateral hearing loss with serous otitis
- Cranial nerve palsy
- Persistent headache or facial pain
- Diplopia or facial numbness
- Hoarseness with neck mass
- Family history with new symptoms
- Endemic region travel with persistent symptoms
- Trismus or jaw stiffness
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
Related Health Topics
Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma — Diagnosis and Treatment
KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct epithelial malignancy arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosa, with marked geographic variation showing high endemicity in Southeast Asia, southern China, and northern Africa. It demonstrates strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, dietary nitrosamines, and genetic susceptibility (HLA associations). Treatment is fundamentally radiation-based given anatomic location making surgery technically challenging, with modern intensity-modulated radiation therapy and concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy achieving excellent outcomes for early stage and substantial cure rates even in locoregionally advanced disease, while plasma EBV DNA monitoring enables surveillance for recurrence.
Anaemia
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.
Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.