Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a 15-year retrospective study

Malignancy in the nasopharynx, although uncommon, is potentially devastating because of the anatomy of the region and benign early symptoms, which result in infrequent early diagnosis. High-dose radiation therapy, with fields including the oral structures, is the treatment of choice and may result in significant oral complications. This paper reviews 39 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosed at the University of North Carolina Hospitals over a 15-year period. Patient demographics, histopathology, presenting signs and symptoms, stage at diagnosis, possible risk factors, treatment modalities, survival, side-effects of therapy, and dental intervention are reported.