Headache, Nosebleeds, and Unilateral Hearing Loss May Be a Risk of “Nasopharyngeal Cancer”
“Headache, nosebleeds, and unilateral hearing loss” are early symptoms that signal nasopharyngeal cancer, which many people may not notice and may dismiss as normal symptoms that occur due to hot weather or temperature changes. Nasopharyngeal cancer is one of the types of cancer that is often overlooked because it’s located in an area that cannot be easily seen, making it difficult to detect. Additionally, it has no clear warning signs in the early stages, causing most patients to visit the doctor when the cancer has already progressed.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is commonly found in young Asians aged 15-25 and can also be found in the elderly aged 50-60. It is more frequently found in men than in women, about twice as often, especially in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries like Thailand.
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal division of cells leading to a tumor, referred to as “cancer.” The tumor is found in the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx, which is a wide cavity behind the nose, serving as an airway bridge between the nasal cavity and the throat. It acts as a station for filtering foreign substances or airborne particles like cigarette smoke and toxic fumes before they enter the lungs, which can cause irritation.
Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Most nasopharyngeal cancer patients consult doctors for neck masses, followed by symptoms of nasal congestion, nosebleeds, runny nose, hearing loss, ear pain, ear discharge, double vision, and facial numbness.
- Nasal Symptoms: There is irritation in the nasopharynx, blood-streaked mucus, frequent nosebleeds, nasal blockage, difficulty breathing, or chronic postnasal drip, and change in voice. These symptoms might lead many patients to receive treatment similar to chronic rhinitis or sinusitis.
- Ear Symptoms: Impaired hearing, ringing in the ears, ear pain, or ear discharge due to malfunction of the Eustachian tube as cancer spreads, reducing middle ear air pressure, causing hearing loss that worsens over time.
- Neck Masses: This is quite noticeable, especially when the cancer spreads to the cervical lymph nodes. A single or multiple masses can be found in the neck, usually firm, non-tender, and movable.
- Neurological Symptoms: Patients may experience headaches, double vision, facial numbness, shooting pain in the cheek on the cancer side, and in advanced cases, facial muscle paralysis.
Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer in early stages can be completely cured if detected early. The sooner the cancer is detected, the better the chance of a complete cure. Treatment options include:
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
“Nasopharyngeal cancer is found in both young and old age groups and often shows no symptoms in the early stages. However, it can be detected through a nasal endoscopy, which is a safe procedure, requires no anesthesia, and takes little time. Early detection increases the chances of a complete cure. Screening is recommended for Southeast Asians and southern Chinese, who are at higher risk. Consult an ENT specialist for the examination.”
Best wishes from
Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat | Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
