Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma MCQs

This is a suspected case of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC). Type B tympanogram is suggestive of glue ear(serous otitis media). The unilateral serous otitis media(presenting as conductive hearing loss) in an adult patient should always arise the suspicion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Hence, nasopharyngoscopy should be done and biopsy of any suspicious area should be taken. Nasopharyngeal cancer is the occult hidden primary. Cervical lymphadenopathy is the most common presentation of NPC. Myringotomy and grommet insertion will be done for glue ear at a later date when NPC is ruled out. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Pg. no. 297

This is a suspected case of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC). The unilateral serous otitis media in an adult patient should always arise the suspicion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Hence, Nasopharyngoscopy should be done and biopsy of any suspicious area should be taken. Myringotomy and grommet insertion will be done at a later date when NPC is ruled out. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Page - 75.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma will cause unilateral eustachian tube blockage and hence it will lead to unilateral serous otitis media= glue ear. This causes unilateral conductive hearing loss. VIII th nerve is not involved in NPC. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Pg. no. 297

All the cranial nerves can be involved in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma except the 1 st , 7 th and 8 th cranial nerves. So facial palsy is not a feature. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Pg. no. 297

The nasopharyngeal carcinoma presents with unilateral conductive hearing loss in an adult patient due to obstruction of Eustachian tube causing serous otitis media. Presence of unilateral serous otitis media in an adult should raise suspicion of nasopharyngeal growth. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Pg. no. 297

Chemoradiation is the treatment of choice for all stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Involvement of trigeminal nerve occurs commonly through foramen lacerum presenting as facial pain in the area supplied by V nerve and loss of corneal reflex. Bimodal age distribution is seen with incidence in fifth to seventh decades > younger age groups. Causes jugular foramen syndrome due to involvement of IX th , X th , XI th cranial nerves. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Pg. no. 297

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is more common in China and is closely associated with EB virus. Specific viral markers are being developed to screen people in high-incidence areas. EB virus has two important antigens: Viral capsid antigen(VCA) - IgA antibodies of VCA are more sensitive for nasopharyngeal cancer. Early antigen(EA) - IgA antibodies of EA are highly specific for nasopharyngeal cancer. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Pg. no. 296

Cure rate is doubled when chemotherapy is combined with radiotherapy. Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery by P L Dhingra, 8 th Edition, Pg. no. 298