Nasopharynx Cancer Treatment | Skin Cancer Surgery

Factors determining the surgical approach are the extent of tumours and the structures involved.
Nasopharyngectomy – Removal of the tumours-

For long, nasopharyngeal tumours were considered unresectable because of their central location and were surrounded by uninvolved bony structures. With newer endoscopic surgical techniques, surgeons can completely remove some nasopharyngeal tumours, but this is appropriate only for small tumours.
For Primary tumours

Nasopharyngectomy is done as a primary treatment in the case of radioresistant tumours like adenocarcinomas, minor salivary gland tumours and sarcomas.

For advanced tumours extending into either the pterygoid muscle or the sinus, removal of the same is indicated, followed by reconstruction surgery through micro-vascular technique.

Nasopharyngectomy (as a salvage procedure) is indicated in persistent or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Cancers of the nasopharynx often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. These cancers typically respond well to treatment with radiation therapy (and sometimes chemotherapy).

In a few cases, cancer cells tend to remain despite the above treatment and may warrant a surgery called neck dissection to remove these lymph nodes.