How to prevent the recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The 5-year survival rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is about 50%. The main factors affecting the 5-year survival rate are the recurrence and metastasis of the tumor. Studies have shown that the cumulative recurrence rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy is 25% and its metastasis rate is 22% in 5 years. How to reduce the recurrence and metastasis rates of patients is the key to improving the survival rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. So, what are the symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence? How can we prevent nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence in daily life?

Did you know that blood in the nose is the most common symptom of nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence?

The symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence are not obvious, and bloody discharge is often the most common symptom of nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence. There are many factors that cause nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence, including tumor biological characteristics, clinical staging and treatment technology, individual differences, etc. The time of recurrence is usually within 3 years after treatment, and the recurrence rate is highest within the first year after radiotherapy; patients with earlier recurrence are usually seen in some middle and late stage cases, while those with later recurrence are more common in some early stage cases; recurrent cases are prone to distant metastasis.

Tinnitus is often the main manifestation of parapharyngeal recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Headache is more common in paranasal sinus and/or intracranial recurrence. Cavernous sinus recurrence is often accompanied by upper cranial nerve damage. Is tinnitus a symptom of nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence? Clinically, patients suspected of being at risk of recurrence must undergo a pathological tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, including a paranasal sinusoscopy pathological biopsy. Salvage surgery is performed on patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma who have no invasion of the posterior parapharyngeal space or internal carotid artery, no extensive skull base bone destruction, and are in good general condition.

Symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrence include double vision, numbness under the eyes, cheeks, lips, difficulty opening the mouth, pain when touching the scalp, etc. In severe cases, there is intracranial hemorrhage. If the MRI examination does not find it, it is not a recurrence at present. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is generally considered cured after 5 years. However, nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients are also more likely to develop a second cancer, many of which are cancers in other parts of the body, such as lung cancer. The correct mentality is not to be overly nervous, but also not to take it lightly. Actively cooperate with the doctor for anti-inflammatory treatment. Regular follow-up and physical examinations are required.

Rehabilitation guidance experts come to "give advice" after nasopharyngeal carcinoma relapse

In the adjustment process, encouragement and help from others is one aspect, but the most important thing is self-psychological adjustment.

1. Understand relevant knowledge and correctly understand tumors. We can compare the people around us and find that the living ability of cured tumor patients is much stronger than that of patients with severe diabetes, heart disease, etc. Cured tumor patients can have normal working ability and live a relaxed life.

2. Have the courage to face the reality and establish firm beliefs: No one can avoid suffering from one disease or another in their life, but with the rapid development of science and technology today, new anti-cancer drugs or treatment technologies may be discovered and used in clinical practice at any time. Every day that life continues may bring new opportunities and hope. If the patient loses half of his faith and his spirit is crushed by various setbacks, then even a disease that can be cured will eventually be incurable.

3. Improve psychological quality and be good at self-regulation: Patients must have the belief that cancer is no longer a terminal illness. They can adjust their own mental state. Qigong, Tai Chi, various games, reading novels, watching TV, listening to music, and doing what they like are all good ways to relax the body and mind. Within their ability, appropriate work and travel can sometimes produce unexpected good results.

If you cannot control your nervous and anxious mood, you can take some anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants, such as diazepam, which can help you sleep, relieve and comfort your negative psychological reactions, and relieve and discharge your depressed mood. Maintaining a good mental state, eating well (paying attention to nutrition and hygiene), sleeping well, and resting well can enhance your own anti-cancer ability and is conducive to the treatment and recovery of tumors.