Is nasopharyngeal cancer life-threatening?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Nasopharyngeal cancer can be life-threatening if it has been allowed to spread. If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it can then affect other parts of your body as well. While many other cancers use surgery as a main treatment, it is harder to treat nasopharyngeal cancer this way since the nasopharynx is in a hard-to-reach location.

Continue Learning about Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Your chances of recovery from nasopharyngeal cancer depend on a variety of factors. If your cancer i...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Stages of nasopharyngeal cancer are defined by how far the cancer has spread and the size of the tum...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Nasopharyngeal cancer is rare in the United States. It is often detected late because other illnesse...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Nasopharyngeal cancer can be successfully cured if caught early. If not, it is often fatal. Only 35 ...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Several types of tumors can form cancer of the nasopharynx, the upper part of your throat behind your nose. The most common type of nasopharyngeal cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is caused when cells that line the surfaces of our body become damaged and grow out of control. This throat cancer can be difficult to detect early: the location of the nasopharynx makes it difficult to examine and symptoms of NPC often mimic other conditions. Rare in the United States, nasopharyngeal cancer is fairly common in parts of Asia and North Africa. See your doctor if you notice unusual nasal congestion or have blood in your saliva, a lump in your neck or a bloody discharge from your nose.

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