Effective early detection of nasopharyngeal cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Vietnam. Worryingly, the disease often progresses silently, with symptoms easily confused with common ear, nose, and throat conditions such as pharyngitis, sinusitis, or otitis media.

According to doctors at Bach Mai Hospital, because the nasopharynx is located deep behind the nasal cavity, patients cannot observe it with the naked eye. Many cases are only detected when cervical lymph nodes appear or symptoms persist, at which point the disease is already in a late stage.

In addition, nasopharyngeal cancer is associated with several risk factors such as: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection - a factor proven to be strongly linked to the development of nasopharyngeal cancer; smoking, and alcohol abuse.

Regular consumption of fermented or salted foods such as pickled cucumbers, pickled eggplants, salted fish, or burnt grilled dishes. Prolonged exposure to smoke, dust, and toxic chemicals in living and working environments.

Nasopharyngeal cancer often progresses silently, with symptoms easily confused with other ear, nose, and throat conditions. (Illustrative image)

Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Cam Phuong - Bach Mai Hospital, said that one of the notable characteristics of nasopharyngeal cancer is that symptoms usually appear on one side, are prolonged, and gradually worsen over time. People should see a specialist if they experience the following signs:

- A persistent, dull headache, usually localized to one side.

- Unilateral nasal congestion, initially intermittent, then continuous; may be accompanied by nasal discharge mixed with blood.

- Tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or hearing loss in one ear.

- Swollen lymph nodes appear in the neck or under the jaw; these nodes are usually firm, painless, and increase in size over time.

If these symptoms persist or recur frequently, patients should not take them lightly but should seek medical attention at a specialized healthcare facility.

Currently, ENT endoscopy is an effective method for early detection of lesions in the nasopharynx. Through modern endoscopic systems, doctors can directly observe the entire nasopharyngeal area, detecting even very small abnormalities such as papillary lesions, ulcers, or increased blood vessel growth. If necessary, a biopsy will be ordered to accurately determine the nature of the lesion.

Experts advise that nasopharyngeal cancer can be detected at an early stage if people pay attention to unusual changes in their bodies and seek medical attention at the right time.

Therefore, you shouldn't wait until symptoms become apparent before seeking medical attention. A single ear, nose, and throat endoscopy can help detect the disease in its early stages, improving treatment effectiveness and quality of life.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/dau-hieu-nhan-biet-som-ung-thu-vom-hong-hieu-qua-10419224.html