Nasopharyngeal carcinoma--the Irish experience

Ten new cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were diagnosed at our unit during a recent twelve month period. An evaluation of these cases is presented. This stimulated an examination of the national data for the years 1981-1990 and it was discovered that 69 cases were diagnosed in that period. A chart review was performed of the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma that were treated at St. Lukes Hospital 10 years previously and compared to the 10 recently diagnosed patients. This data highlights: the young age at which this tumour can occur; that there has been no improvement in the early detection of these neoplasms and the importance of an ENT assessment for patients presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, persisting middle ear effusion or atypical headaches.