Nasopharyngeal Cancer! These Lifestyle Habits Put You at Risk!

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC): Expert Care at Gleneagles Hospital Johor

Understanding Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer that develops in the nasopharynx—the upper part of the throat behind the nose. While relatively rare worldwide, NPC is more prevalent in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

One of the challenges with NPC is that its early symptoms often resemble common conditions like sinus infections or colds. However, when detected early, NPC is highly treatable, making awareness and timely medical evaluation essential.

At Gleneagles Hospital Johor, our Cancer Centre, led by experienced specialists like Datuk Dr. Siow Seng Choon, provides comprehensive care for NPC patients, from early diagnosis to advanced treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Risk Factors for NPC

The exact cause of NPC remains unclear, but several key risk factors have been identified:

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): EBV is strongly linked to NPC and is present in most cases.
Genetics: A family history of NPC increases the risk.
Lifestyle & Environmental Factors:

Frequent consumption of salt-preserved foods (e.g., salted fish)
Exposure to industrial chemicals
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Recognizing the Symptoms

NPC symptoms can be misleading as they often mimic less serious illnesses. Common early signs include:

Persistent nasal congestion
Nosebleeds or blood-tinged saliva
Painless swelling in the neck due to enlarged lymph nodes

As NPC progresses, symptoms may worsen and include:

Hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or recurrent ear infections
Persistent headaches
Blurred or double vision
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Since these symptoms can appear harmless at first, many patients delay seeking medical attention. However, if any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consulting a specialist is crucial.

Expert Diagnosis at Gleneagles Hospital Johor

At Gleneagles Hospital Johor, NPC is diagnosed using state-of-the-art medical technology:

Nasal Endoscope Examination: Allows ENT specialists to visually inspect the nasopharynx.
Biopsy: Performed if a suspicious lesion is detected to confirm the presence of cancer.
Imaging Techniques: MRI and Digital PET Scan assess tumor size and spread.
EBV Serology Screening: A useful tool for individuals at higher risk of NPC.

With vast expertise in ENT and oncology, Datuk Dr. Siow Seng Choon and his team ensure precise and timely diagnosis for NPC patients.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

NPC treatment at Gleneagles Hospital Johor’s Cancer Centre is tailored based on the stage of the disease:

Stage I (Localized NPC):

o Treated with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), a precise radiotherapy technique that minimizes damage to healthy tissue.

Stage II (Spread to Nearby Lymph Nodes):

Requires chemoradiotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Stage III & IV (Advanced NPC):

Treated with chemoradiotherapy alongside targeted therapy or immunotherapy to attack cancer cells.
Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered in cases of recurrent lymph node tumors.

Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital Johor?

As a leading private hospital in Johor, Gleneagles Hospital Johor provides multidisciplinary care for NPC patients. Our Cancer Centre is equipped with:

✓ Advanced treatment technologies such as VMAT and Digital PET Scan

✓ Minimally invasive diagnostic tools for early detection

✓ Supportive care services including nutritional counseling, pain management, mental health support, and rehabilitation programs

For post-radiation patients experiencing dry mouth or difficulty swallowing, sialoendoscopic therapy is available to manage salivary gland complications.

Prevention & Early Detection

Taking proactive steps can significantly improve NPC outcomes:

✓ Regular screenings (e.g., nasoendoscopic exams and EBV serology screenings) for individuals with a family history or high-risk factors

✓ Healthy lifestyle choices such as reducing preserved food intake, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption

If you or a loved one experience persistent symptoms or fall into a high-risk category, early diagnosis can make all the difference. Gleneagles Hospital Johor, a trusted private hospital in Johor, is ready to provide expert evaluation, cutting-edge radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and holistic cancer care.