What are the causes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

There are many factors that cause nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Clinical observation and experimental studies over the years have shown that the following factors are closely related to the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

1. Genetic factors: Many NPC patients have a family history of cancer. NPC has a vertical and horizontal family tendency. NPC is mainly seen in the yellow race and rarely in the white race. The descendants of ethnic groups with a high incidence rate who move to other places (or live abroad) still have a high incidence rate.

2. Viral infection: Immunological and biochemical studies have confirmed that Epstein-Barr virus is closely related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The dynamic changes and monitoring of Epstein-Barr virus antibody titers can be used as indicators for clinical diagnosis, prognosis estimation and follow-up monitoring. In addition to Epstein-Barr virus, other viruses such as coronavirus are also believed to be involved in the occurrence and development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

3. Environmental factors: Reports show that the mortality rate of nasopharyngeal cancer among Chinese who have emigrated abroad gradually decreases with the number of generations. On the contrary, the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer among Caucasians born in Southeast Asia has increased. This suggests that environmental factors may play an important role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer.

4. Others: Epidemiological surveys have found that the first food that infants in high-incidence areas of Guangdong Province are exposed to after weaning is salted fish. In addition, dried fish and Guangdong preserved meat are also related to the incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer. These foods contain nitrite, a precursor of nitrosamines, during the pickling process. Excessive levels of certain trace elements, such as nickel, in the environment may also induce nasopharyngeal cancer.