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When does middle ear effusion signify nasopharyngeal cancer?
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Green Lane Hospital, Auckland.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|December 14, 1994
Summary
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma often presents with neck masses and ear symptoms like deafness or otalgia. Persistent middle ear effusion in individuals over 10 warrants investigation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma if other key symptoms are present.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in Western countries.
- Early diagnosis of NPC is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the presenting symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in Auckland, New Zealand.
- To emphasize the significance of otological symptoms in the diagnosis of NPC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 85 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient records from 1980-1993.
- Analysis of presenting symptoms, including neck mass, otological issues, nasal obstruction, and epistaxis.
Main Results:
- The most common symptoms were neck mass (53%), deafness/otalgia (45%), nasal obstruction (35%), and epistaxis (30%).
- Otological symptoms, specifically middle ear effusion, averaged over 9 months before diagnosis.
- 95% of patients presented with multiple cardinal symptoms; middle ear effusion alone was rare.
Conclusions:
- Cardinal symptoms of NPC include neck mass, deafness/otalgia, progressive nasal obstruction, and epistaxis.
- Persistent middle ear effusion in individuals over 10, especially with other cardinal symptoms, requires evaluation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.