Abstract
Neoplasms of the nasopharynx are rare in children, but they threaten the child's life when they do occur. The nasopharynx tends to harbor dysontogenetic neoplasms. After classification into benign and malignant groups, nasopharyngeal neoplasms in children can be further characterized according to the age of the patients in which the clinical manifestations usually appear. Dermoids and teratomas are the most frequently encountered neoplasms of the nasopharynx in infants and may produce airway obstruction and dysphagia. Among the benign tumors of the nasopharynx in children, the juvenile angiofibroma deserves the most attention. With the onset in puberty, these neoplasms may cause recurrent massive bleeding and orbital and intracranial complications. Evaluation of the extent of the neoplasm and the source of the blood supply has been improved with bilateral selective internal and external carotid angiography. Intracranial and orbital invasion is regarded as an indication for radiotherapy. Surgery has been made somewhat safer by preoperative estrogen therapy and angiographic embolization of the major arterial supply. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx have immunologic similarities to patients with Burkitt's lymphomia and infectious mononucleosis; The etiologic role of the Epstein-Barr virus is considered. The parts played by radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and cryosurgery in the treatment of children with carcinoma of the nasopharynx are discussed. The value of radical neck dissection after radiation therapy is critically reviewed. The prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx is better in females than in males and better in children than in adults.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.