What are the differences between the symptoms of nasopharyngitis and nasopharyngeal cancer?
Dec 03, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Nasopharyngitis can cause nasal symptoms, pharyngeal symptoms, and systemic symptoms. Nasopharyngeal cancer can lead to neck masses, ear-related symptoms, and facial symptoms. Nasopharyngitis manifests as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, as well as dryness and itching in the throat. When immunity is low, it may result in low-grade fever. Nasopharyngeal cancer often presents with neck masses. In the early stage, patients may experience a sensation of ear blockage and ear pain. If the tumor spreads and damages cranial nerves, it can cause facial pain.
Nasopharyngitis and nasopharyngeal cancer are two distinct diseases with different symptoms. Nasopharyngitis typically causes nasal symptoms, pharyngeal symptoms, and systemic symptoms. Nasopharyngeal cancer commonly presents with neck masses, ear-related symptoms, and facial symptoms, requiring further evaluation and treatment at a hospital.
I. Symptoms of Nasopharyngitis
1. Nasal symptoms: Mainly include nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
2. Pharyngeal symptoms: Include dry throat, itchy throat, sore throat, hoarseness, and coughing, primarily a dry cough.
3. Systemic symptoms: When immunity is low, patients may develop a low-grade fever below 38.5°C, accompanied by irritability, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
II. Nasopharyngeal Cancer
1. Neck mass: Most patients with nasopharyngeal cancer discover a neck mass incidentally upon touching their neck.
2. Ear symptoms: Some patients experience ear fullness, ear pain, or tinnitus in the early stages of the disease.
3. Facial symptoms: As the cancer spreads, it may damage cranial nerves, leading to facial pain or numbness. Additionally, if the tumor becomes large enough to compress nerves, it may also cause headaches.
There are notable differences between the symptoms of nasopharyngitis and nasopharyngeal cancer; however, these symptoms are not absolute and may sometimes overlap. Therefore, individuals experiencing any of the above symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as early as possible.
