The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a
member of the herpesvirus family, is found
throughout the world. Studies show that up to 95% of all adults have antibodies
against this common virus, meaning that they were infected at some point in
their lives. Even though most infections with EBV go unnoticed or produce only
very mild symptoms, in some cases, it can be associated with the development of
serious conditions, including several types of cancer. Even mild or
non-life-threatening infection with EBV can, occasionally, be associated with
the development of serious complications from the infection. Although the virus
typically targets lymphocytes, a particular blood cell involved in the immune
response, almost all organs systems can ultimately be affected by EBV infection.
EBV is transmitted by close person-to-person contact. Primary, or initial,
infection with EBV may not produce symptoms or there can be a number of
different symptoms, especially in young children. The manifestations of primary
EBV infection include...
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in
the tissues of the nasopharynx.
The nasopharynx is the upper part of the pharynx (throat) behind the nose.
The pharynx is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose and
ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes from
the throat to the stomach). Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to
the trachea or the esophagus. The nostrils lead into the nasopharynx. An opening
on each side of the nasopharynx leads into an ear. Nasopharyngeal cancer most
commonly starts in the squamous cells that line the oropharynx (the part of the
throat behind the mouth).
Ethnic background and exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus can affect the risk
of developing nasopharyngeal cancer.
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk
factor. Risk factors may include the following:
Chinese or Asian ancestry.
Exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus: The
Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with certain cancers, including
nasopharyngeal cancer and some lymphomas.
Possible signs of nasopharyngeal
cancer include trouble breathing, speaking, or hearing.
These and other symptoms may be caused by nasopharyngeal cancer. Other
conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of
the following problems occur:
Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. However, a person should be seen by a health care professional if they have a sore throat that has a rapid onset, and is associated with a fever or tenderness of the front of the neck; a sore throat that causes the person to have difficulty swallowing (not just pain swallowing) or breathing; or if a sore throat lasts for more than a week.
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
Nosebleed is common in dry climates during winter months, and in hot dry climates with low humidity. Individual taking blood clotting medications, aspirin, or antiinflammatory medications may be more prone to nose bleeding. Other factors that contribute to nosebleed are trauma (including nose picking), rhinitis, and high blood pressure. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Head and neck cancer is cancer of the oral cavity, salivary glands, paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, or lymph nodes in the upper part of the neck. These cancers account for 3% to 5% of cancers in the U.S. Tobacco and alcohol use are important risk factors. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
Common viruses, including the viruses that cause
mononucleosis (mono) and the
flu. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis").
Breathing through the mouth or
smoking can produce throat dryness and
soreness.
Sinus drainage (post nasal drip)
Bacterial infections. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are
Streptococcus (which causes
strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum.
Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red
rash.
Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics,
chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to
the yeast Candida,
a condition commonly known as "thrush."
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