HOW IS NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER DIAGNOSED?
In order to diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer, your healthcare provider may consider the following:
MEDICAL HISTORY
When meeting with a healthcare professional, they may ask about your health and medical history.
They may also ask you about your family’s medical history to determine whether that could be a factor.
EXAM
Your healthcare provider will ask about any symptoms you are having.
They will examine you to look for signs of nasopharyngeal cancer and may conduct additional tests to better understand your condition and its effects. These may include:
- Neurological exam
- Radiologic study (PET scan, CT scan, MRI, and/or ultrasound)
- Endoscopy or nasopharyngoscopy
- Biopsy/lab tests
- Hearing test
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Your treatment plan for nasopharyngeal cancer may include a combination of various cancer treatments such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (radiation therapy that uses 3D modeling to precisely deliver radiation to the tumor)
Treatments beyond traditional chemotherapy and
radiation therapy, such as immunotherapy, are also
available to treat people with nasopharyngeal cancer
WHO IS ON MY CANCER CARE TEAM?
Your care will be led by your oncologist, who is responsible for your treatment plan, but every member of your team plays an important role. Your team members may include:
- Medical oncologist (primary provider)
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Radiation oncologists
- Nurse navigators
- Nutritionists
Your NPC journey will start by meeting with your healthcare provider to ask any questions you may have.
GLOSSARY
Biopsy
The removal of cells or tissues for the purpose of pathologist examination and testing.
Chemotherapy
Medication used to stop the growth of cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Computerized Tomography scan (ct)
An imaging test that uses X-rays linked to a computer to create detailed 3D images of tissues and organs from different angles inside the body.
Immunotherapy
Therapy that uses a person’s own immune system to help the body fight cancer.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Highly precise therapy that delivers radiation to a tumor and produces 3D images of the size and shape of the tumor onto a computer screen.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An imaging technique that uses radio waves and magnetic fields linked to a computer to create detailed images of areas inside the body. These images show the difference between normal and diseased tissue.
Positron emission tomography scan (PET)
A procedure where glucose is injected into a vein to identify cancer cells in the body through a scan.
Radiation therapy
High-energy radiation that comes from outside of the body that is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.