Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Children is Increasing, Recognize 5 Symptoms and How to Prevent It

ABOUT SEMARANG – Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is not just an adult disease.

Although rare, this cancer can also attack children, and the impact can be very serious if it is not detected early.

The increasing number of cancer cases in children demands greater vigilance, especially for types of cancer that often show no symptoms in the early stages, such as NPC.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the nasopharynx, namely the upper part of the throat behind the nose.

This area is difficult to reach so the presence of cancer is often not realized until it reaches an advanced stage.

NPC is included in the head and neck cancer group, and is more often found in the Southeast Asia region, including Indonesia. Even though it attacks adults more, children are not immune from this risk.

Risk Factors for Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Children

Several factors contribute to the emergence of NPC in children, including:

• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection: This virus plays a major role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer. EBV infection at an early age may increase the risk of NPC as a teenager or young adult.
• Genetic Factors: Children who have a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer have a higher risk.
• Environmental and Dietary Factors: Consumption of salted or fermented foods, such as salted fish, has been associated with an increased risk of these cancers.

NPC Symptoms in Children

Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer in children can be similar to mild illnesses, so they are often ignored. Some signs to look out for include:

• Ringing in the ears or unilateral hearing loss
• Persistent stuffy nose or nosebleeds
• Incessant headaches
• Painless lump in the neck
• Bulging eyes, blurred vision, or facial nerve paralysis

If these symptoms appear repeatedly or last a long time, you should immediately see an ENT doctor.

Diagnostic Process

Diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer in children is carried out through a combination of several methods:

1. Physical Examination and Endoscopy: To see directly the condition of the nasopharynx.
2. Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample for analysis in a laboratory.
3. Imaging Examination: An MRI or CT Scan helps determine the stage of the cancer and its spread.

The sooner a diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of recovery.

Treatment Options

Treatment of NPC in children depends on the stage of cancer and the patient’s general condition. Some of the main treatment methods include:

• Radiotherapy: Uses radiation beams to kill cancer cells. This is the main treatment for NPC.
• Chemotherapy: Special drugs that destroy cancer cells, often combined with radiotherapy.
• Targeted Therapy: Modern drugs that attack cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.
• Combination Therapy: Combining more than one method for best results.

Although treatment can cause side effects, such as nausea or fatigue, the cure rate for NPC is quite high if detected early.

Complications to Watch Out for

NPC can cause various complications, especially if not treated immediately. These complications include:

• Metastases to bones, lungs, or brain
• Permanent hearing loss due to tumors or radiation effects
• Neurological complications if cancer cells spread to the brain nerves
• Long-term side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Therefore, follow-up care and regular monitoring are very important to maintain the child’s quality of life after treatment.

Early Prevention of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Although there is no 100 percent effective way to prevent NPC, several steps can help reduce the risk:

• Avoid excessively salted foods
• Maintain food and environmental cleanliness
• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and dangerous chemicals
• Maintain the child’s immune system
• Have regular health checks, especially if there is a family history of cancer

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in children may be rare, but not impossible.

Parental education and awareness are very important to detect symptoms early and immediately take appropriate medical steps.

With fast and appropriate treatment, children with NPC have a great chance of recovering and living a normal life.

Remember, children’s health is an investment in the future. Don’t ignore mild symptoms that keep recurring, they could be a sign of a serious health problem.***