nasopharyngeal cancer, a malignant neoplastic disease of the nasopharynx. High titers of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus are found in patients of Chinese descent with the cancer; there is evidence of genetic susceptibility, because a certain histocompatibility antigen is associated with the disease and multiple cases occur in some families. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Depending on the site of a nasopharyngeal tumor, there may be nasal obstruction, otitis media, hearing loss, sensory or motor nerve damage, bony destruction of the skull, or deep cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnostic measures include nasopharyngoscopy, biopsy, and radiological examination of the skull with tomographic studies. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Radiation is the most effective therapy, and chemotherapy is also used. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Squamous cell and undifferentiated carcinomas are the most common lesions. Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs rarely in the United States and frequently in southern China. Exposure to dusts of nickel, chromium, wood, and leather and to isopropyl oil increases the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer.
