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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx, classified as a type of head and neck tumor. The disease predominantly affects middle-aged individuals, with the peak incidence between 30–60 years old, and is slightly more common in men than women. Early symptoms are nonspecific and are often mistaken for a common cold or rhinitis.
The disease has an uneven global distribution, with high incidence in South China, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. In particular, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Philippines report higher incidence rates. Its occurrence is associated with EB virus infection, genetic predisposition, and dietary habits. Due to its aggressive nature and early metastasis, it poses a serious threat to life.
Stage I: Localized lesion, high survival rate
At Stage I, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is confined to the submucosa of the nasopharyngeal cavity, without invasion of surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Patients may have no obvious discomfort, with only mild nasal congestion or a sense of fullness in the head. The 5-year survival rate can reach 80%–90%.
Stage II: Local extension, early symptoms appear
Cancer cells may begin to invade deeper nasopharyngeal layers, the soft palate, or the opening of the eustachian tube. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, tinnitus, and secretory otitis media. Some patients may develop mild swelling in the neck. The 5-year survival rate is 65%–75%.
Stage III: Regional lymph node involvement, symptoms worsen
The tumor spreads to adjacent structures such as the paranasal sinuses or skull base, accompanied by regional lymph node metastasis. Symptoms include persistent headaches, obvious neck swelling, and blurred vision. The 5-year survival rate decreases to 40%–60%.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis, low survival rate
Cancer cells spread to distant organs such as the lungs, bones, or liver. Patients may experience severe headaches, facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, or systemic weakness. The 5-year survival rate is below 30%, requiring comprehensive treatment.
1. Nasal congestion and blood-stained mucus
Nasal congestion is one of the most common early symptoms, usually unilateral, progressing to bilateral at later stages. Patients often mistake it for allergic rhinitis. Bloody mucus or nosebleeds are warning signs, indicating mucosal ulceration or vascular invasion.
2. Tinnitus and hearing loss
Tumor invasion of the eustachian tube opening may cause ear fullness, tinnitus, and hearing loss, which can progress to secretory otitis media. Unilateral tinnitus or hearing impairment without a history of infection should be taken seriously.
3. Neck masses
Cervical lymph node metastasis is often one of the first symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients may feel a painless, progressively enlarging hard lump in the neck, commonly located below the ear or on the side of the neck. The mass is hard with poor mobility, serving as an important clinical sign.
4. Headache and facial numbness
When the tumor invades the skull base, it may compress cranial nerves, causing migraine-like headaches, orbital pain, facial numbness, or weakness in chewing. The pain is often persistent and unresponsive to regular painkillers.
5. Vision abnormalities and double vision
Advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma can involve the optic nerve, resulting in double vision, blurred vision, or drooping eyelids. Restricted eye movement and eye pain may indicate orbital or intracranial invasion.
6. Difficulty swallowing and voice changes
Tumor spread to the soft palate or pharynx can cause painful swallowing, a foreign body sensation, or difficulty eating. Hoarseness or a nasal tone in speech may also occur, reflecting nasopharyngeal involvement.
7. Facial paralysis or abnormal tongue movement
Involvement of cranial nerves VII and XII may lead to asymmetry of facial expressions, drooling, or tongue deviation. These signs indicate advanced disease requiring urgent intervention.
8. Weight loss and persistent low-grade fever
Like many cancers, advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma may cause cachexia, manifested by significant weight loss, persistent low fever, and night sweats, reflecting severe tumor-induced metabolic disruption.
9. Emotional and sleep disturbances
Chronic pain, tinnitus, headaches, and difficulty swallowing collectively lead to anxiety, depression, and insomnia, severely impacting quality of life.
10. Bone pain or symptoms of distant metastasis
If cancer cells spread to bones or the liver and lungs, patients may experience persistent bone pain, breathing difficulties, or jaundice. Imaging studies are required to confirm distant metastasis.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma often progresses silently, with atypical early symptoms that are easily overlooked. Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind: persistent nasal congestion, tinnitus, neck masses, or throat discomfort unresponsive to standard treatments should raise suspicion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. People in high-risk areas are advised to undergo regular nasopharyngoscopy and EB virus antibody testing for early detection and timely intervention. In addition to traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immune reconstruction cell therapy serves as an adjunct treatment that can activate the body’s immune system, improve treatment response rates, delay recurrence, and offer patients longer survival prospects.
