Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer

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Introduction

Coping with cancer

In this video, people who have been through cancer treatment talk about what kept them going and the practicalities of treatment.

What is cancer?

The body is made up of millions of different types of cells. Cancer happens when some of the cells multiply in an abnormal way. When cancer affects organs and solid tissues, it causes a growth called a tumour to form. Cancer can occur in any part of the body where the cells multiply abnormally.

Nasopharyngeal cancer is cancer that affects the nasopharynx. This is the area where the nose and throat connect. This type of cancer is sometimes called throat cancer; however, throat cancer can also refer to:

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of cancer. There are fewer than 230 cases diagnosed in the UK every year. More men than women are affected and it is most common in people aged between 50 and 60.

Want to know more?

Health A-Z: cancer

Cancer Research UK: nasopharyngeal cancer

Macmillan: cancer of the nasopharynx

Last reviewed: 24/03/2012

Next review due: 24/03/2014