Skip to main content

< Back to Brain Tumors

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma forms in the upper part of the throat located behind the nose.  Symptoms include swollen or tender lymph nodes, ear infections, difficulty chewing or swallowing. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is often diagnosed in its mid-to late stages because it’s rare in the United States and symptoms, such as nasal congestion, are linked to less serious ailments. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma begins with a gene mutation, but it’s not clear what triggers the mutation.

Best in Care

The AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute is a state-of-the art facility for adults and children affected by nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We specialize in minimally invasive treatments that use laser technology to remove tumors or reduce their size. With these sophisticated tools, our surgeons can remove the carcinoma through the natural corridor of the nose instead of making an incision in the head. This minimizes damage to surrounding tissue and results in less scarring and pain. Patients also generally recover more quickly with minimally invasive surgeries.