Childhood Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer develops in the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat located behind the nose. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is a risk factor for developing this type of childhood cancer, which is very rare in children under the age of 10 and more common, though still rare, in children between the ages of 10 to 19 years.  

Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer include a blocked nose, headaches, nosebleeds, ear aches or infections, hearing loss, painful neck lumps, and potential eye or jaw issues.  In the United States, the incidence of this form of cancer is higher among non-Hispanic Black children and adolescents. 

Childhood Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute