Nasopharyngeal Cancer Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging

Learn about the signs and symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Find out how it is tested for, diagnosed, and staged.

Can nasopharyngeal cancer be found early?

In most people, nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) doesn't cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. But NPC is sometimes found early when a person has symptoms that cause them to see a doctor.

In the United States and other countries where NPC is uncommon, doctors don’t recommend routine screening for this cancer.

Screening is testing for cancer in people without any symptoms. There are no simple exams or blood tests that can find NPC early. Still, regular check-ups and visits to the dentist are recommended for your overall health. Your throat, mouth, and nose are looked at during these visits.

Screening in parts of the world where NPC is common

In China and other parts of the world where NPC is more common, some people are screened routinely for this cancer. For example, a person might be screened if they have a first-degree relative with NPC.

If a person’s blood shows evidence of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, they may get regular exams of their nasopharynx and neck. Doctors don’t know if this type of screening lowers the death rate from NPC. Studies are being done to find more reliable screening methods, because EBV infections can be present in some people for many years before NPC is ever diagnosed.

What are the signs and symptoms of NPC?

Most people with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) notice a lump or mass in the neck that leads them to see a doctor. There may be lumps on both sides of the neck, toward the back. These usually are not tender or painful.

Sometimes NPC is found early when a person has symptoms that seem unrelated to the nasopharynx, such as a constant feeling of fullness in one ear.

Many of the symptoms and signs of NPC are more likely to be caused by other, less serious conditions, but it’s important to check with your health care team.

How is it diagnosed?

If you have signs or symptoms that suggest nasopharyngeal cancer, your health care team will do a series of tests to find out for sure. Testing also helps the care team figure out the exact type and stage of the disease.

Stages and outlook (prognosis) for NPC

After a cancer diagnosis, staging gives your health care team important information about the extent of cancer in your body and your expected response to treatment. Doctors also use a cancer’s stage when talking about survival statistics.