Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: methods of presentation

The forms of presentation of NPC, as related to the signs and symptoms of the disease, were studied in 215 patients over a 2-year period. A neck mass was the most common presenting symptom. Seventy percent of the patients were in Ho's stages III to V. This evidence emphasizes the need for earlier diagnosis to improve the prognosis of the disease. This earlier diagnosis could be achieved by increasing the awareness of both the patient and the clinician, particularly in countries where the incidence of NPC is high.