What are the symptoms of mid-stage nasopharyngeal cancer?
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the nasopharynx and is more common in Southeast Asia. Because its early symptoms are not obvious, many patients have entered the middle or even advanced stages when diagnosed. Understanding the symptoms of mid-stage nasopharyngeal cancer can help with early detection and treatment. This article will introduce in detail the common symptoms of mid-stage nasopharyngeal cancer and provide structured data for readers to understand more intuitively.
Common symptoms of mid-stage nasopharyngeal cancer
Symptoms of mid-stage nasopharyngeal cancer are usually more obvious than those in the early stage and may include the following:
| Symptom Category | Specific performance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| nasal symptoms | Nasal congestion, nosebleeds, bloody nose | Mostly unilateral nasal congestion, epistaxis may recur |
| ear symptoms | Tinnitus, hearing loss, ear fullness and fullness | Caused by tumor compressing the Eustachian tube |
| neck symptoms | swollen lymph nodes in neck | Mostly painless lumps with hard texture |
| neurological symptoms | Headache, facial numbness, double vision | Caused by tumor invasion of cranial nerves |
| systemic symptoms | Weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite | More common in patients with rapidly progressive disease |
Detailed analysis of mid-stage symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer
1. Nasal symptoms
The most common symptoms of patients with mid-stage nasopharyngeal cancer are nasal congestion and epistaxis. Nasal obstruction is usually unilateral and may become bilateral as the tumor grows. Nosebleeds are mostly blood-streaked nasal mucus, and in severe cases, larger amounts of bleeding may occur. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for rhinitis or sinusitis, so special attention is needed.
2. Ear symptoms
Because the nasopharynx is close to the Eustachian tube, tumor growth may compress the Eustachian tube, causing tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear fullness. These symptoms are often overlooked, especially when the patient has no other obvious complaints. If you have persistent ear symptoms that are not relieved, you should seek medical examination in time.
3. Neck symptoms
Cervical lymph node enlargement is an important manifestation of mid-stage nasopharyngeal cancer. Enlarged lymph nodes are usually located in the upper part of the neck, are hard in texture, have poor mobility, and are mostly painless. About 60%-80% of nasopharyngeal cancer patients have cervical lymph node metastasis when diagnosed.
4. Neurological symptoms
When tumors invade the skull base or cranial nerves, patients may experience symptoms such as headache, facial numbness, and double vision. Headaches are mostly persistent and aggravated at night; facial numbness is often manifested as unilateral facial loss of sensation; diplopia is caused by tumors affecting the nerves that control eye muscle movement.
5. Systemic symptoms
As the disease progresses, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Although these symptoms are not specific, they should be taken seriously when combined with other local symptoms.
Examinations related to mid-term diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer
| Check items | Inspection purpose | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Nasopharyngoscopy | Direct observation of nasopharyngeal lesions | Lumps or ulcers may be found in the nasopharynx |
| Imaging examination (CT/MRI) | Assess tumor extent and extent of invasion | MRI shows soft tissue more clearly |
| Pathological biopsy | gold standard for diagnosis | Tissue is usually removed under a nasopharyngoscope |
| Epstein-Barr virus detection | Auxiliary diagnosis | Nasopharyngeal cancer is closely related to Epstein-Barr virus infection |
How to deal with mid-stage symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer
If you or a family member has the above symptoms, especially if multiple symptoms coexist, it is recommended to:
1. Seek medical attention promptly: Go to an otolaryngology or oncology department as soon as possible for detailed examination.
2. Complete examination: Cooperate with the doctor to complete nasopharyngoscopy, imaging and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis.
3. Active treatment: After diagnosis, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a comprehensive treatment plan should be selected according to the doctor's advice.
4. Psychological support: A cancer diagnosis can cause psychological stress, and it is important to seek professional psychological support.
5. Lifestyle adjustments: maintain good nutritional status, exercise appropriately, and enhance immunity.
Summary
The symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer in the middle stage are more obvious than those in the early stage, mainly including nose, ear, neck symptoms, neurological and systemic symptoms. Knowing these symptoms can help detect the disease early. If relevant symptoms occur, especially those that persist and are not relieved, you should seek medical examination in time. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
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