Etymed
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Definition
A malignant tumor arising in the nasopharyngeal region, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the upper part of the throat behind the nose
Clinical context
A 45-year-old man presents with persistent nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and conductive hearing loss for 3 months. Physical examination reveals a nasopharyngeal mass, and biopsy confirms malignant cells. This patient's symptoms are classic for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is strongly associated with EBV infection and more prevalent in Asian populations.
Mnemonic
Naso-pharyngeal CA - Nasal obstruction, Epistaxis, Conductive hearing loss
These morphemes also unlock…
- nas/o — nose
- pharyng/o — pharynx; throat
- -eal — pertaining to
- carcin/o — cancer; crab
- -oma — tumor; mass