Nasopharyngeal cancer: a clinical study with special reference to age and occupation

A survey of 63 patients with malignant tumour of the nasopharynx, treated over a 20-year period (1958-1977) is presented. The major types of tumour were squamous cell and anaplastic carcinoma (including lymphoepithelioma) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In some patients other tumours were found, such as cylindroma, rhabdomyosarcoma and extramedullary plasmocytoma. A particularly high incidence of men younger than 40 years was seen with carcinoma and an occupation in a particular branch of industry, indicated as 'metallurgic or allied' (light engineering factories, garages etc). 60Co irradiation was the primary therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was used in lymphoma or sarcoma. The survival was significantly better in the younger age group as far as carcinoma is concerned. The possible role of occupational factors is discussed in relation to findings in the literature.