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Malignant tumors of the nasopharynx: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Of the malignant tumors of the nasopharynx, cancer develops most frequently.
Epidemiology of malignant tumors of the nasopharynx
According to research data, malignant tumors of the nasopharynx account for 0.25-2% of malignant tumors of all localizations and 40% of malignant tumors of the pharynx. They occur more often in males. The age of patients varies widely. Epithelial tumors develop mainly at the age of 40 and older, connective tissue tumors - more often in young people and children.
Symptoms of malignant tumors of the nasopharynx
The tumor of this localization is characterized by high malignancy, grows quickly, destroys surrounding tissues, including the base of the skull. Symptoms depend on the tumor localization. The neoplasm, originating from the lateral wall in the area of the pharyngeal pocket (Rosenmüller's fossa), quickly disrupts the patency of the auditory tube (closes its pharyngeal opening). As a result, hearing is reduced, catarrhal otitis develops on the affected side. Somewhat later, patients notice impaired breathing through the corresponding half of the nose. Nasopharyngeal cancer grows infiltratively, quickly ulcerates; bloody discharge from the nose and nasopharynx occurs. Impaired ventilation of the paranasal sinuses leads to the development of an inflammatory process in them, pain appears in the frontal and occipital regions. Headache can also be caused by tumor growth into the cranial cavity.
Diagnosis of malignant tumors of the nasopharynx
Early diagnostics of malignant tumors of the nasopharynx is difficult. It is necessary to pay attention to the patient's complaints. Posterior rhinoscopy is mandatory, and if possible, fibroscopy. In case of tissue infiltration and ulceration, a histological examination is necessary. It is necessary to take into account the constant and rapid increase in symptoms. A valuable method is a digital examination of the nasopharynx, which allows determining the consistency, attachment site, prevalence of the tumor, etc. The final diagnosis is based on the data of the histological examination.
Treatment of malignant tumors of the nasopharynx
Treatment of patients with malignant tumors of the nasopharynx is a complex task. The difficulties that arise during the operation are mainly related to the anatomy of this part of the pharynx (deep location, proximity of large vital vessels, spinal cord and brain). Available, used to remove benign tumors, do not justify themselves in malignant neoplasms.
When performing radical interventions for malignant tumors of the nasopharynx, some authors use an approach through the infratemporal fossa. Trauma, high risk, and poor treatment results are the reasons why this approach has not become widespread in clinical practice. This probably explains the widespread use of radiation therapy in the treatment of patients with malignant tumors of the nasopharynx. A.S. Pavlov and L.D. Stiop (1985) report the high efficiency of radiation therapy for malignant tumors of the nasopharynx. According to their data, the five-year survival rate was 93% for tumors of stages I and II and 47.3% for stages III and IV.
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