KUALA LUMPUR, 10 February 2026 – Persistent nasal congestion, unexplained ear symptoms such as blocked hearing, ringing in the ears, or painless neck lumps are often dismissed as routine ENT complaints. However, these symptoms can sometimes indicate nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), a disease that develops in a hidden area behind the nose and often presents with subtle, non-specific early signs. In Malaysia, NPC remains one of the most common cancers affecting men, with cancer-related deaths rising to 14.3 per cent of all fatalities in 2024, up from 13.8 per cent in 2023.
Dr Hafizah Zaharah Ahmad, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), emphasizes that early detection is critical, as survival rates can exceed 90 per cent. Many early symptoms are mismanaged as sinusitis, allergies, or ear infections, which underscores the importance of awareness and prompt medical evaluation. NPC arises from the nasopharynx, the region located behind the nose and above the throat, which makes early tumors difficult to detect during routine examinations. Dr David Yee Leong Wai, ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon at SMCV, notes that painless neck swellings caused by enlarged lymph nodes are often the first noticeable symptom, but they are frequently overlooked.
Risk factors include Epstein-Barr virus infection, smoking, family history, genetic predisposition, and diets high in preserved or salted foods. Diagnosis involves structured assessment, including nasoendoscopy, MRI or CT imaging, and tissue biopsy to confirm cancer type and grade according to WHO classification. Treatment depends on disease stage, with radiotherapy as the primary modality and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced disease. Advances like Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy allow precise tumor targeting while protecting surrounding tissues.
Supportive care is crucial during treatment to manage side effects such as fatigue, nausea, oral ulcers, and reduced appetite. Post-treatment follow-up is essential to detect recurrence early and maintain quality of life. With increased awareness, timely intervention, and modern treatment techniques, outcomes for NPC patients continue to improve, highlighting the life-saving impact of early detection.