In the United States and other countries where nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is fairly rare, most doctors do not recommend routine screening for this cancer. (Screening is testing for cancer in people without any symptoms.) There are no simple, non-invasive exams or blood tests that can reliably find this cancer early.

But in some parts of the world such as China, where NPC is common, some people are being screened for this cancer. They are first selected because their blood shows evidence of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. They are given regular exams of the nasopharynx and neck. This strategy can also be used in families when one member has developed NPC. It isn't known if this strategy lowers the death rate from this cancer.

Some cases of NPC can be found early in the course of the disease because they cause symptoms that make patients seek medical attention. The symptoms may even seem unrelated to the nasopharynx (for example, adults may have a constant feeling of fullness in one ear). But in most cases, nasopharyngeal cancers may not cause symptoms until they have reached an advanced stage.

Last Medical Review: 01/21/2009
Last Revised: 01/21/2009