Clinical Reviews & Cases
Open AccessNasopharyngeal Carcinomas: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Current Management
Authors: Samir ADJMI, Sarah TABOURI, Sarra ZEROUAL, Blaha LARBAOUI.
Abstract
Malignant nasopharyngeal tumors, primarily represented by epithelial nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)— especially the non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (NKSCC) or undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharynx (UCNT)—differ from other head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) by their characteristic undifferentiated histology, a lack of association with alcohol and tobacco consumption, and a constant association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). UCNT exhibits an endemic distribution in certain regions such as Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean Basin. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic factors, the EBV virus, as well as environmental factors like salted/smoked foods and nitrosamines. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the deep anatomy of the cavum (nasopharynx). This cancer is characterized by a high rate of nodal and even distant (visceral) metastases, which accounts for some therapeutic failures despite its notable radiosensitivity and good locoregional control. In Algeria, it is the most common ENT cancer and the 12th most common cancer overall (2.4%, intermediate incidence area), primarily affecting males, with a bimodal age distribution (peaks at 10-24 years and 45-60 years). The year 2025 marks a period of dynamic progress in both diagnosis and therapeutic approaches, thereby improving the prognosis of this condition.
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