What is the probability of inheriting nasopharyngeal cancer?

For some diseases, people are always very entangled, that is, they are hereditary to a certain extent, which brings a lot of trouble to people. When it comes to nasopharyngeal cancer, I believe it is not very unfamiliar to us. So, what is the probability of nasopharyngeal cancer being inherited by the family?

Since nasopharyngeal cancer is related to heredity, can we conclude that the next generation of nasopharyngeal cancer patients will all develop cancer? The answer is no. Why?

When the number of cancer cells in human cells exceeds 1 million, some symptoms of cancer will occur. So how do normal cells mutate into cancer cells? For example, viruses, radiation, and chemicals act on the DNA in the cells, causing changes in its structure or function, which in turn leads to changes in metabolism and cell proliferation, and then become cancer cells. DNA is the basic substance of heredity. Once DNA changes, it will be passed on to the next generation. In this sense, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is related to heredity.

If the DNA of somatic cells changes in the acquired environment and becomes cancer cells, the daughter cells generated by the division of this cell will still be cancer cells. It will not affect the cancerous transformation of the DNA in the germ cells, so this type of cancer cell will not be inherited by children. This is a "non-hereditary" cancer.

Not all nasopharyngeal cancer is hereditary. People with a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer should realize that although they may develop nasopharyngeal cancer due to heredity, it does not mean that they will definitely get nasopharyngeal cancer. Therefore, the chance of nasopharyngeal cancer being inherited in the family is low, and unnecessary fear should be avoided. On the other hand, they should pay more attention to cancer prevention and strive for early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment.

Human cells are divided into two major categories: somatic cells and germ cells. For example, muscle cells, bone cells, and nerve cells have no direct connection between the previous generation and the next generation. Only germ cells, sperm and egg cells, are the cells that communicate the genetic information between parents and children. When the DNA in the germ cells of the father and mother become cancerous, all cells in their children's bodies acquire this changed genetic information and may become cancerous. This is a "hereditary" cancer.

After the above introduction, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of these aspects. In our lives, we must pay more attention to related matters. Many times, nasopharyngeal cancer always comes to us quietly. Therefore, parents must be very cautious and careful.