[Cancers of the cavum]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a clinical entity different from other epidermoid carcinomas of the head and neck. It is distinguished by its particular histology, its geographic distribution, its special serologic and biologic relationship to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV); its natural history NPC occurs more frequently in young men (25-40 years). NPC is one of the most aggressive tumors of the head and neck with a very high rate of cervical nodes and systemic dissemination. It is a very sensitive tumour and chemo-radiotherapy provides an excellent local efficiency (80%); the 5 years survival rates is about 50%.