What are the early symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

In the early stages of nasopharyngeal cancer, symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose, nasopharyngeal discomfort, voice changes, neck lumps, facial pain or numbness may occur, and you need to go to the hospital for examination and diagnosis.

1. Nasal congestion and runny nose: Early-stage NPC may cause a feeling of nasal congestion and frequent runny nose, which may be mistaken for a common nasal cold or allergic reaction.

2. Nasopharyngeal discomfort: Patients may feel discomfort or a foreign body sensation in the nasopharynx, similar to something stuck in the throat, dryness or stinging in the throat.

3. Voice changes: Nasopharyngeal cancer may affect the vocal cords and throat, causing the voice to become hoarse, husky, or deep.

4. Neck lumps: Early stage nasopharyngeal cancer may cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck and form neck lumps. These lumps are usually painless but can be felt.

5. Facial pain or numbness: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma may invade the facial nerves, causing facial pain, numbness or abnormal sensation.

If you feel unwell, you need to seek medical attention promptly. Nasopharyngeal cancer can be treated with surgery in the early stages, and can also be combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to control the disease.