Experts analyze why radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

As a common cancer disease, nasopharyngeal carcinoma has several treatments. However, among these treatments, radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. So why is radiotherapy the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? The following experts will introduce to you the reasons why radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma .

(1) The special anatomical location is one of the reasons why radiotherapy is the first choice for NPC. NPC occurs in a hidden location, with a vertical diameter of only 5.5-6.0 cm, and a rectangular cavity shaped like a small matchbox. Its back wall is the cervical vertebrae, and the top wall is the skull base. The sublingual, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory nerves and important arteries and veins enter and exit the cranial cavity through the rupture foramen, and NPC also invades the skull through this. The walls on both sides have large arteries, veins and lymphatic tissue. It is difficult to perform radical tumor surgery in a small area surrounded by large blood vessels and cranial nerves, and it is even more difficult not to damage these important structures. Therefore, the conclusion that "nasopharyngeal carcinoma surgery is not an ideal method due to anatomical limitations" has an objective basis.

(2) The rapid development of the lesion brings difficulties and limitations to surgery. The tumor extends upward into the middle cranial fossa, damages many cranial nerves, and metastasizes to the deep cervical lymph nodes. The metastasis rate is as high as 60%-80%. It can also metastasize to the brain and neck at the same time, and can also metastasize to the distant liver. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is mostly undifferentiated or poorly differentiated cancer with a high degree of malignancy. Only 4%-7% of patients are diagnosed in the early stage. Most patients are in the middle and late stages of the disease. This is why radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

(3) Another reason why radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is that it has a good effect. Its 5-year survival rate can reach 49.5%. Radiotherapy can treat the original structure and has little trauma. Therefore, deep X-ray, cobalt 60, and accelerator have become the main means of treatment.

The above content is the reason why radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma introduced by experts. Please pay attention to it. I hope it will be helpful to you. If you have other questions about the reason why radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, please consult online experts and they will give you detailed answers.