Event of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Coastal Areas: Review Article

Abstract

Background: Indonesia is a country consisting of islands and oceans that are rich in potential natural resources. Abundant marine products make the Indonesian people empower fish catches into long-lasting salted fish processed foods. People living in coastal areas have a high level of consumption of salted seafood products, such as salted fish. Consuming salted fish is one of the factors causing the incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
 Contents: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer found in the head and neck. NPC cases can be caused by various factors, one of which is caused by environmental factors. Environmental factors that can cause the incidence of NPC are environments that have a population of both passive and active smokers, formaldehyde exposure, and consumption of salted fish. Clinical manifestations that can arise in patients with NPC, such as epistaxis, nasal congestion, ringing in the ears, headaches, facial pain, and lumps can be seen on the top of the neck of the patient.
 Conclusion: NPC is the fourth most common malignant tumor in Indonesia after cervical cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer. NPC cases are most commonly found in men compared to women in the elderly age group, in the range of 45-55 years. Several treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical intervention can be done to treat NPC cases.