Nose Cancer

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma refers to cancer arising from the nasopharynx which is situated at the deep end of the nose. It is the most common head and neck cancer in Singapore. It is more common among southern Chinese and males.

Risk factors are family history of nose cancer, consumption of highly preserved food especially salted fish (i.e. nitrosamines) and presence of Epstein Barr virus.

The most common symptom is neck lumps, followed by blood-stained sputum, nose bleed, ear block and one sided tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Other symptoms include headache and double vision.

Diagnosis is made via a nasoendoscope and confirmed via a biopsy. Scans are done to determine the extent of disease and exclude spread to other parts of the body.

The tumour is radiosensitivity and responds well to chemoradiotherapy. Occasionally, surgery is needed for recurrence.