nasopharyngeal cancer (NA-zoh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the nasopharynx (upper part of the throat behind the nose). Most nasopharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the nasopharynx).

nasopharynx (NA-zoh-fayr-inx) The upper part of the throat behind the nose. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into the ear.

nasal By or having to do with the nose.

nasoscope A thin lighted tube used to examine the nose. Also called a rhinoscope.

nasoscopy A procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the nose to look for abnormal areas. Also called rhinoscopy.

stage 0 nasopharyngeal cancer Cancer is found in the lining of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) only. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage I nasopharyngeal cancer Cancer is found in the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) only.

stage II nasopharyngeal cancer Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB. In stage IIA, cancer has spread from the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) to the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils), and/or to the nasal cavity. In stage IIB, cancer is found in the nasopharynx and has spread to lymph nodes on one side of the neck, or has spread to the area surrounding the nasopharynx and may have spread to lymph nodes on one side of the neck.

stage III nasopharyngeal cancer Cancer (1) is found in the nasopharynx and has spread to lymph nodes on both sides of the neck; or (2) has spread into the soft tissues (oropharynx and/or nasal cavity) and to lymph nodes on both sides of the neck; or (3) has spread beyond the soft tissues into areas around the pharynx and to lymph nodes on both sides of the neck; or (4) has spread to nearby bones or sinuses and may have spread to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck.

stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer Stage IV nasopharyngeal cancer is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC. In stage IVA, cancer has spread beyond the nasopharynx and may have spread to the cranial nerves, the hypopharynx (bottom part of the throat), areas in and around the side of the skull or jawbone, and/or the bone around the eye. Cancer may also have spread to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck, and the involved lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller. In stage IVB, cancer has spread to lymph nodes above the collarbone and/or the involved lymph nodes are larger than 6 centimeters. In stage IVC, cancer has spread beyond nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body.