What are the causes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the head and face. Only by understanding the various pathogenic factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma can we carry out prevention work more accurately. Studies have shown that the incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is directly related to factors such as Epstein-Barr virus infection. The details are as follows:

Cause 1: Epstein-Barr virus infection

Studies have found that EBV antibodies can be detected in the serum of NPC patients, and the antibody titer increases with the progression of the disease. It can be seen that EBV infection is closely related to the occurrence of NPC, and EBV is present in most keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas and almost all undifferentiated squamous cell carcinomas.

Cause 2: Environment and diet

Environmental factors are also a cause of nasopharyngeal cancer. Surveys have found that the content of trace element nickel in rice and water in areas with high incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer is higher than that in areas with low incidence. The content of nickel in the hair of nasopharyngeal cancer patients is also higher than that in areas with low incidence. Nickel can promote nitrosamines to induce nasopharyngeal cancer. In addition, people who are easily exposed to formaldehyde in their daily lives are also prone to nasopharyngeal cancer.

Cause 3: Genetic factors

There is a racial and familial clustering of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. For example, the descendants of southern Chinese living in other countries still have a relatively high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, suggesting that nasopharyngeal carcinoma may be a hereditary disease.

Cause 4: Unilateral tinnitus

Nasopharyngeal cancer often develops near the opening of the tympanic tube in the nasopharynx. The cancer compresses the opening of the eustachian tube, causing blockage. This is why nasopharyngeal cancer causes tinnitus. Therefore, once unexplained unilateral tinnitus occurs, especially in men over 30 years old, and those with ear closure, they should be highly alert to the possibility of nasopharyngeal cancer.