Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Unilateral Conductive Hearing Loss: A Case Study

Abstract

Malignant tumours of the nasopharynx can be divided into three main groups: squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas and a large miscellaneous group. The nonglandular, nonlymphomatous epithelial malignancies are collectively called nasopharyngeal carcinomas and are the most common tumours of the nasopharynx. Nasopharyngeal cancer is well known to the otolaryngologist but may not be as familiar to the audiologist. We report the case of a 52-year-old man of Chinese extraction who presented with symptoms of 'a blocked feeling' in the left ear, leading to a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer. The investigation and treatment is discussed.