Nasopharyngeal carcinoma natural history, complications and prognosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]
Overview
If left untreated nasopharyngeal carcinoma produces few symptoms early in the course of disease. Non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with a 5 year survival rate of 65%. The common complications of nasopharyngeal carcinoma include airway obstruction, dysphagia and disfigurement of the neck or face.
Natural History
- If left untreated nasopharyngeal carcinoma produces few symptoms early in its course.
- Once the tumor has expanded from its site of origin in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx, it may obstruct the nasal passages and cause nasal discharge or epistaxis.
Complications
Complications of nasopharyngeal carcinoma include:
- Airway obstruction
- Dysphagia
- Disfigurement of the neck or face
- Hardening of the skin of the neck
- Hoarseness and speaking inability
- Metastasis
Potential complications of radiotherapy include:
- Radiation necrosis of the temporal lobes
- Cranial nerve palsies
- Atrophy and fibrosis of the muscles of mastication
Prognosis
Non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with a 5 year survival rate of 65%.[1] Prognosis is influenced by tumor type:
- Type I: Keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma - 42% 5 year survival
- Type II: Non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma - 65% 5 year survival
- Type III: Undifferentiated carcinoma - 14% 5 year survival[2]
References
- ↑ Richard Cote, Saul Suster, Lawrence Weiss, Noel Weidner (Editor). Modern Surgical Pathology (2 Volume Set). London: W B Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-7253-1.
- ↑ Treatment and prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Dr Bruno Di Muzio and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma