ÂÌñÉç

How is nasopharyngeal cancer treated?

After nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is found and staged, your cancer care team will discuss treatment options with you. Depending on the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and other factors, your treatment options may include:

Common treatment approaches

Depending on the stage of the cancer, you may get more than 1 of these treatments. Most people with NPC get a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.

Who treats nasopharyngeal cancer?

Based on the stage of the cancer, you may have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors may include:

• An?otolaryngologist?(also known as an ear, nose, and throat, or?ENT doctor): a surgeon who treats certain diseases of the head and neck.
• A?radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.
• A?medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drug therapy.
• A plastic surgeon: a doctor who specializes in reconstructing or repairing parts of the body
• An oral and maxillofacial surgeon: a dental surgeon who treats diseases of the mouth, teeth, and jaws.

You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals.?

Making treatment decisions

It¡¯s important to discuss all treatment options, including treatment goals and possible related side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. You may feel that you need to make a decision quickly, but it¡¯s important to give yourself time to absorb the information you have learned. Ask your cancer care team questions.?

If time permits, it is often a good idea to seek a second opinion. A second opinion can give you more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you choose.