Nose Cancer

Nose Cancer (Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma)

Nose cancer, also known as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), is the fifth most common cancer in Malaysia.

What Are The Risk Factors For Nose Cancer?

• Male gender
• Family history of nose cancer
• Smoking
• Eating salted fish and salted vegetables, which contain nitrosamines
• Working in the timber industry and being exposed to nickel and chromate dust, and hardwood dust

What Are The Symptoms Of Nose Cancer?

• Painless neck lump (unilateral or bilateral)
• Blood-stained nasal discharge or saliva
• Unilateral nose block
• Unilateral ear block
• Unilateral headache
• Facial numbness
• Double vision (diplopia)

How Is Nose Cancer Diagnosed?

• Nasopharyngoscopy with biopsy
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan or MRI scan
• PET scan

What Are The Treatment Options For Nose Cancer?

Patients diagnosed with nose cancer may be treated with radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy.

How Can Nose Cancer Be Prevented?

• Practice a healthy lifestyle
• Avoid smoking
• Eat fresh fruits and fresh vegetables