NPC (Nasopharyngeal Cancer)
| Causes & symptoms | Questions |  |
Diagnosis
The doctor can use a special telescope called fibreoptic endoscopes to thoroughly examine the nasopharynx
Any obvious tumour requires a biopsy (a piece of tissue taken for microscopic examination) which gives the definite diagnosis of NPC
If an enlarged lymph node is found, a fine needle can be inserted to draw out some cells for examination to determine if tumour cells exist.
Treatment
Radiotherapy is the main form of treatment used to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Chemotherapy is popular in some places, used together with radiotherapy
Surgery and other newer treatment procedures are now mainly used after initial treatment when radiotherapy fails
Because both the cancer and the treatment may affect patients' ears, eyes and teeth, doctors specialising in these areas also take part in the management. In case you have any doubts about your own treatment programme, you should contact the radiotherapists who co-ordinate the team of specialists.
Side effects of the treatments
mouth and throat sores
ulcers
difficulties in swallowing solid foods
lose sense of taste or find everything tastes the same, usually rather metallic
dry mouth
tiredness
nausea
Tips:
eat a soft diet
avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and eating hot or spicy foods
drink a lot of mild fluids to keep your mouth moist
use special mouth washes and medicines to help relieve the discomfort
brush teeth with a soft toothbrush
visit the dentist
use an artificial saliva spray to improve the symptoms of dry mouth
eat food high in protein and calories
do not wash or shave the skin around the treatment area
get as much rest as you can
