Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose. It is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is more common in certain parts of the world, including East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Other risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer include exposure to certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde and wood dust, and a family history of the disease.
Nasopharyngeal cancer typically begins when cells in the nasopharynx start to divide and grow abnormally. This can be caused by mutations in the DNA that control how cells grow and divide. Mutations can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, or they can be inherited. In the case of EBV, the virus infects cells in the nasopharynx and can cause mutations in the DNA of these cells.
The abnormal cells can then continue to divide and grow, forming a mass called a tumor. The tumor can then spread to other areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, and other organs. Treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer usually includes radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery.