Could Your Symptoms Indicate Nasopharyngeal Cancer?

Is it possible to have nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Hello, Doctor! I have been experiencing symptoms of catching a cold about once a year.
Almost every time I have a cold, I suffer from severe nasal congestion, which suddenly leads to intense pain and numbness in the left side of my face, specifically around the nasal wing and gums.
This occurs only on the left side! Sometimes the pain lasts for a few hours, and other times just a few minutes, but it suddenly disappears at some point.
I suspect that the nasal congestion might be compressing a nerve or something similar.
I consulted an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with sinusitis and suggested trying medication.
When I felt better, I didn't pay much attention to it, but this month I caught a cold again, and the left side has started showing the same symptoms.
After taking medication, the pain has subsided, but I still have a tingling sensation in the left nasal wing connected to the upper left gums that has persisted for two weeks.

Should I get checked for nasopharyngeal cancer? Does this type of cancer present with these symptoms? I had an X-ray, but the doctor didn't mention anything specific, only that there is sinusitis on the left side.
However, I found very little information online indicating that a cold or sinusitis would cause my symptoms.
Should I undergo a more thorough examination? The tingling sensation is quite uncomfortable; could it be a nerve injury? 🤕

Zhe, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/05

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Zhe, 33 years old, male.
Hello! 1.
In this situation, you can go to an otolaryngologist for a nasopharyngeal cancer examination.
2.
Can this cancer present with these symptoms? A: Nerve compression may cause numbness; however, severe pain is rare.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Taoyuan Hospital, Dr.
Chen Si-Rong.

Reply Date: 2017/12/05

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing recurrent episodes of nasal congestion, facial pain, and a tingling sensation in the left side of your face and gums, particularly during bouts of sinusitis. While these symptoms can be quite distressing, it is essential to approach them with a clear understanding of their potential causes.

Firstly, your symptoms could indeed be related to sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinus cavities that can lead to nasal congestion, facial pain, and pressure. The pain you are experiencing, particularly localized to the left side of your face, could be due to the pressure exerted by inflamed sinuses on nearby nerves. This is not uncommon in cases of sinusitis, where the swelling can irritate the trigeminal nerve, leading to sensations of pain or tingling in the face.

However, your concern about nasopharyngeal cancer is understandable, especially given the persistence of your symptoms and their specific nature. Nasopharyngeal cancer can present with symptoms such as nasal obstruction, ear fullness, and facial pain, particularly if there is involvement of the surrounding structures. It is also worth noting that this type of cancer can sometimes cause referred pain to the teeth and gums, which aligns with your experience of pain in the left upper gum area.

Given that you have already been evaluated by an ENT specialist who diagnosed you with sinusitis, it is crucial to follow their recommendations and complete the prescribed treatment. If your symptoms persist despite treatment, or if you notice any new symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation.

In terms of diagnostic steps, if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, you might consider asking your doctor about further imaging studies, such as a CT scan of the sinuses, which can provide a more detailed view of the sinus cavities and any potential masses or abnormalities. Additionally, if there is a concern for malignancy, a referral for a nasopharyngoscopy may be warranted, allowing direct visualization of the nasopharynx and potential biopsy of any suspicious lesions.

It is also important to address the tingling sensation you are experiencing. While it may be related to nerve irritation from sinus pressure, it could also indicate other underlying issues that may need to be explored. If the tingling persists, a consultation with a neurologist may be beneficial to rule out any neurological causes.

In summary, while your symptoms could be attributed to sinusitis, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive about your health. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation. Early detection and intervention are key in managing any potential health issues effectively.

Take care, and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Best regards.

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