Nasopharyngeal cancer
Several layers of tissue make up the nasopharynx. Each layer contains many different types of cells.
Different types of cancer can develop from each type of cell. Knowing these differences helps doctors decide on the best treatment.
Tumours are groups of abnormal cells that form lumps or growths.
Tumours of the nasopharynx can be:
non cancerous (benign)
cancerous (malignant)
Non cancerous nasopharyngeal growths are rare. They are mostly found in children and young adults. There are several types of non cancerous tumours. These include growths of small blood vessels, known as angiofibromas.
There are also benign tumours of the minor salivary glands. Minor salivary glands are found throughout the head and neck, including in the nasopharynx.
Malignant nasopharyngeal tumours are cancers. They include the types mentioned below. In time, they can spread into surrounding tissue and to other parts of the body.
There are 3 main types of nasopharyngeal cancer. They are:
keratinising squamous cell carcinoma
non keratinising squamous cell carcinoma
basaloid squamous cell carcinoma
Carcinoma is another word for cancer. Squamous cells are the flat skin-like cells that line the inside of your mouth, nose, voice box (larynx) and throat. A keratinising cancer has keratin in the cancer cells. Keratin is the protein that forms your hair and nails.
Basaloid squamous cell cancer is very rare.
The treatment you have depends on several things including:
where exactly the cancer is
how big the cancer is
whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
Find out about treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer
There are other types of cancer that can start in the nasopharynx but these are very rare. They are often treated differently to the main types of nasopharyngeal cancer.
These cancers can develop in the minor salivary glands within the nasopharynx. But these cancer types are more common in the mouth and nose.
Read about salivary gland cancers
Lymphomas are cancers that start in the . There are many lymph nodes in the neck. Swelling of a lymph node is a common symptom of lymphoma.
Treatment for lymphoma is different to treatment for squamous cell nasopharyngeal and head and neck cancers. For information on lymphoma, see our sections on Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Melanoma develops from the pigment producing cells that give the skin its colour. Melanomas of the head and neck can occur anywhere on the skin or inside the nose or mouth (oral cavity). Nasopharyngeal melanoma is rare.
Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop in the connective and supporting tissues of the body. So soft tissue sarcomas can develop and grow almost anywhere including the nasopharynx but this is rare.
Last reviewed: 20 Feb 2024
Next review due: 20 Feb 2027
The nasopharynx connects the back of your nose to the back of your mouth. Cancer that develops in the nasopharynx is called nasopharyngeal cancer.
Nasopharyngeal cancer can cause symptoms. For example, nose and ear problems, as well as other symptoms such as a lump in the neck.
You see your GP if you have symptoms. They can refer you for tests or to see a specialist. One of the tests you might have is a nasendoscopy, which looks at the inside of your nose, throat and voice box.
The stage of a cancer tells you about the size of the tumour and whether it has spread. Your doctor uses this information to help them decide on treatment.
You usually have radiotherapy as part of your treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer. You might also have other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
