There are three main types of nasopharyngeal tumors: • squamous cell carcinoma • nonkeratinizing carcinoma • undifferentiated carcinoma.
What are Some of the Signs and Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Tumors? The symptoms of nasopharyngeal tumors depend on the location of the tumor. Most often, painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck is noted. Other symptoms may include: • nasal obstruction • nose bleeds • jaw pain • hearing loss • earache • headache • chronic ear infections • cranial nerve palsies (facial drooping, for example). What Causes Nasopharyngeal Tumors? The cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is not completely known. There seems to be a relationship between Epstein-Barr virus and some types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. What Is the Common Treatment and Outcome for Nasopharyngeal Tumors? The diagnosis of nasopharyngeal tumors is made from a biopsy of the primary site or lymph node. The stage of the disease is determined to provide treatment options. Surgery can be difficult in the area of the nose and throat, and radiation therapy is often the first line of treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Chemotherapy may also be used because nasopharyngeal tumors respond well to several chemotherapy agents. Patients with small tumors that are within the nasopharynx have a better prognosis for cure.
n MALIGNANT MELANOMA
What Is Malignant Melanoma? Melanoma is a cancer of the skin that arises from cells that give the color to our skin, hair, and eyes. While most of these cancers are located in the skin, they can occur in the eye. Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. Only 1% of melanoma cancer occurs in people younger than 20 years old.
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