About nasopharyngeal
cancer
Risk factors
& symptoms
Diagnosis
& treatment
FAQs
Resources
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WHAT CAUSES NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER?

While the exact cause is not known, there are risk factors associated with NPC.

Genetic factors

  • Most common in people of Southeast Asian descent
  • 2-3 times more likely to occur in males than females
  • More likely to occur in family members of people with a medical history of NPC

Environmental factors

  • Alcohol or tobacco use
  • Eating and cooking salt-preserved foods
  • History of workplace exposures to wood dust and formaldehyde

Viral factors

  • Strong association with Epstein-Barr virus and types 2 and 3 NPC
  • Possible association with human papillomavirus and type 1 NPC

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER?

It can be difficult to recognize symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer because they are similar to other conditions. Signs may include:

  • Swelling or mass in the neck
  • Hearing loss, pain, ringing, or fullness in the ear
  • Nosebleeds
  • Headaches
  • Nasal obstruction or stuffiness
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Pain, numbness, or paralysis of face

NPC Sound Check: AN INTERACTIVE AWARENESS TOOL

Hearing changes can happen for many reasons, but in rare cases they may be linked to nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). 

People with nasopharyngeal cancer commonly experience hearing impairment because sound waves may encounter obstacles in the middle ear due to tumor growth. NPC often involves one ear and impacts the ability to hear sounds at higher frequencies (3500 Hz – 6000 Hz).​

This interactive experience is designed to raise awareness of the potential connection between hearing changes and NPC. It’s not a diagnostic test but an opportunity to explore how well you hear certain frequencies.

How to use this sound check

For the best experience:

  • Wear your headphones
  • Turn off noise cancelling
  • Set your device volume to 100%
  • Find a quiet space

Click the button to start/stop the tone and use the slider to explore different frequencies. You can check your left ear, right ear, or both.

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Frequency (Hz)

Slide the toggle from left to right to check your ability to hear sounds at different frequencies.

Balance

Select what you want to check: left ear, right ear, or both.

If you notice difficulty hearing sounds in the 3500 Hz – 6000 Hz range, consider speaking with your doctor or a hearing specialist. ​

Remember: This is not a substitute for a professional hearing assessment. Only a qualified hearing care professional can provide an accurate evaluation.

See how nasopharyngeal cancer
is diagnosed and treated

GLOSSARY

A common virus remaining inactive in most people. EBV is associated with certain cancers such as NPC, specifically types 2 and 3.

Cancer that presents in the head or neck region (areas such as the nasal cavity, sinuses, throat, voice box, mouth, or salivary glands).

The most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is associated with type 1 NPC.