Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Causes and Incidence

Abstract

Global case analyses of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were conducted, and survival and mortality rates were quantitatively determined. Generally, it was found that the factor causing this disease is the Epstein-Barr virus, and its 100% efficacy was proven in clinical trials. Other factors, such as inhaled chemicals, were questioned from a logical perspective, but studies mentioned them only in general terms due to weak provable characteristics. The virus is estimated to be transmitted through saliva, with approximately 90% of the world's population being infected individuals. The lethality is attributed to the proximity of the nasopharynx to the central nervous system and other vital tissues where essential functions are carried out. For instance, it is likely to be diagnosed as a neurological disease due to pressure on the nerves and may be detected late or remain undetected. Therefore, NPC should be evaluated as a parameter in all neurological diseases, jaw disorders, and circulatory diseases, among others. Considering inadequate diagnostic statistics in clinics, case incidences are generally observed in team islands in Asia, Micronesia, and South Asia. Although there may be solid foundations for evolutionary reasons, it is a debatable issue. Different variants of the virus exist, but they will not be explored in depth. The increased incidence of the disease due to rising tourist activities is a topic attempted to be linked as a fundamental reason. In this review, the incidence, treatment approaches, and mortality rates of NPC have been investigated.

Cite this article as: Sarıbıyık FÖ, Erbaş O. Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Causes and Incidence. JEB Med Sci 2023;4(3):165-169.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.