How is nasopharyngeal cancer caused? Is it contagious?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is caused by a combination of genetics, environmental factors and viral infection and is not contagious. Its main causes include genetic susceptibility, long-term exposure to triggers such as dietary habits, and association with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. People with a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a higher risk of the disease. Long-term exposure to certain environmental triggers will increase the risk of disease, such as high-salt pickled foods, excessive consumption of salted fish, and carcinogens (nitrosamine compounds) in smoked foods, which will irritate the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Chronic infections such as Epstein-Barr virus infection are also considered to be an important cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Epstein-Barr virus may cause cancer by changing the genetic regulation of cells. In addition, long-term smoking and excessive drinking may also promote the development of the disease. Although the Epstein-Barr virus is closely related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it only participates in carcinogenesis through specific mechanisms and will not be directly transmitted to others.

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. People with a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a higher risk of the disease. Long-term exposure to certain environmental triggers will increase the risk of disease, such as high-salt pickled foods, excessive consumption of salted fish, and carcinogens (nitrosamine compounds) in smoked foods, which will irritate the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Chronic infections such as Epstein-Barr virus infection are also considered to be an important cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Epstein-Barr virus may cause cancer by changing the genetic regulation of cells. In addition, long-term smoking and excessive drinking may also promote the development of the disease. Although the Epstein-Barr virus is closely related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it only participates in carcinogenesis through specific mechanisms and will not be directly transmitted to others.

Prevention of nasopharyngeal cancer can start with improving lifestyle, such as reducing the intake of pickled and smoked foods, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables to enhance immunity, maintaining good oral and nasopharyngeal hygiene, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke or harmful chemicals. If there is a family history or long-term living in a high-risk area (such as some areas in Guangdong Province), regular screening should be performed to detect risks early. If suspicious symptoms such as persistent nasal congestion, tinnitus, headache or bloody secretions occur, medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis.