Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is cancer originating in the nasal part of the pharynx, which is the topmost region of the throat; the area where the nasal passes and the auditory tubes join the remaining portions of the upper respiratory tract.

Diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is confirmed by means of the following: * Nasal Endoscopy * Head and Neck CT Scan * Blood test with the objective of determining the level of antibodies against Epstein - Barr virus (EBV). * Chest, abdominal CT scan and bone scans * Biopsy

The most effective treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is through radiation therapy. Other treatment procedures include chemotherapy and in some cases, surgery.

Most nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases are only detected when the cancer has reached a more advanced stage; this is because few symptoms appear on the initial phase of the cancer; symptoms that are not evident enough to consider the possibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The most prominent feature of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is the presentation of lump in the neck Some of the few symptoms that appear in the early stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are the following: * Nasal discharge or nosebleed occurs when the tumor enlarges causing a blockage in the nasal passages. * Chronic ear infections when the auditory tubes are obstructed signified by loss of hearing, discharge coming from the ear and buzzing noise. * Swallowing difficulties and hoarse voice * Paralysis in one side of the face. * Spreading of the cancer to the lymph nodes of the neck.

* Several studies have associated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection to the development of nasopharyngeal infection. * Some evidences are also presented linking genetic factors as causative factors for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. * Dietary and lifestyle risk factors are also closely related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

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