Overview

The nasopharynx is a space that lies behind the nose and under the base of the skull bone. Cancers of the nasopharynx usually present as a blocked nostril, bleeding from the nose, or a lump in the neck. Rarely the disease may be identified when investigating double vision or deviation of the tongue.

Cancers of this region are usually squamous cell cancers or undifferentiated cancers. The disease may occur in areas endemic for the Epstein Barr virus and may be associated with certain racial groups as well with certain occupations that involve working with wood.

Nasopharyngeal cancers have an excellent chance of cure.