Early detection of nasopharyngeal cancer: An Important Step to Save Lives

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of malignant cancer that grows at the very back of the nose and above the throat (nasopharynx). This type of cancer occurs more often in Asia, including Indonesia. Nasopharyngeal cancer tends to be difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms often resemble common illnesses, such as flu or sinusitis. Therefore, early detection is very important to increase the chances of recovery.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risk Factors

Several risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing nasopharyngeal cancer include:

• Genetics: Individuals with a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer are at increased risk.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection: This virus is closely associated with the development of nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Diet: Consuming salted foods, such as salted fish, and smoke from mosquito coils can also trigger nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Exposure to Pollution: Air pollution and smoking habits can increase the risk of developing this cancer.

Early Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer are often nonspecific in the early stages. Some symptoms that may appear are:

• nosebleeds
• Nasal congestion;
• Ears feel full or hear ringing (tinnitus);
• Pain or numbness in the face

Further symptoms that appear in patients are lumps that appear around the neck, which get bigger and bigger over time. Because the symptoms are similar to other common illnesses, many people ignore these early signs. This is where early detection is important through regular health checks, especially for those at high risk.

Early Detection Methods

To detect nasopharyngeal cancer at an early stage, there are several methods that can be used, including:

1. 1. Nasopharyngeal Endoscopy: This examination uses a small camera inserted through the nose to see the condition of the nasopharynx directly.
   2. Biopsy: If abnormal tissue is detected, the doctor may take a tissue sample for analysis in the laboratory.
   3. Imaging examination (CT-Scan or MRI): This examination can help see the presence of tumors or the spread of cancer to parts of the body.
   4. Blood Test for EBV: Several studies have shown that Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection is associated with nasopharyngeal cancer. Blood tests can help detect antibodies to this virus as an early sign of cancer.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of nasopharyngeal cancer is very important because this cancer is often only diagnosed at an advanced stage, which can worsen the patient's prognosis. If detected early, treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy can be more effective, and the chance of a cure is greater.

As a preventive measure, people are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid risk factors such as smoking and consuming excessively salted foods, and carry out regular medical examinations, especially for those who have high risk factors.

 

Reference:

1. Badan Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) tentang kanker nasofaring: https://www.who.int/cancer/nasopharyngeal
2. Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. Panduan Nasional Deteksi Dini Kanker.