Advanced
Technical
IVT
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
A malignant tumor arising from the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx, strongly associated with EBV infection.
Full Definition
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a distinct type of head and neck cancer that originates in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose. It is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and has a notable geographic and ethnic distribution, being endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. The tumor often presents with unilateral hearing loss, epistaxis, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Due to its anatomical location and radiosensitivity, radiation therapy is the primary treatment modality.
In Context
- "The patient presented with unilateral serous otitis media, raising suspicion for nasopharyngeal carcinoma." — Case presentation
- "EBV DNA levels serve as a biomarker for monitoring treatment response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma." — Laboratory protocol
Also known as
NPC
Don't confuse with
nasal cavity carcinoma
oropharyngeal carcinoma