Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer)

Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer) - What it is

What is nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer)?

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), also known as nose cancer, is a disease in which cancer cells develop from the tissues of the nasopharynx.

The nasopharynx is the passageway located behind the nose, just above the throat (oropharynx) which connects the nose to the respiratory system. The nasopharynx is also connected to the ear via the Eustachian tubes which open into the middle ear.

Anatomy of the nose that is being affected by nasopharyngeal cancer or nose cancer

How common is nasopharyngeal cancer (nose cancer)?

NPC affects more men than women. In Singapore, NPC is the 10th most common cause of cancer death in males and one of the most common cancers in males aged between 30 and 49 years old. This cancer also tends to run in the family i.e. patients with relatives with NPC are at a higher risk of developing the cancer.