Will the lump in the neck caused by nasopharyngeal cancer hurt?

The neck mass of NPC usually does not cause obvious pain, but the accompanying symptoms such as pressure or infection may cause discomfort. Treatment includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, and the specific plan needs to be formulated according to the condition.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor that occurs in the nasopharynx. Neck lumps are one of its common symptoms. The lumps are usually caused by lymph node metastasis and appear as painless swelling. Some patients may feel pressure or mild discomfort when the lumps are large, but pain is not the main feature. If the lumps are accompanied by infection or inflammation, local pain may occur. The diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma neck lumps requires a combination of imaging examinations, pathological biopsy and other methods to clarify the nature and staging of the lumps.

1. Radiotherapy is the first choice for nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment. It kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors through high-energy rays. Radiotherapy is usually carried out in multiple times, with a small dose each time to reduce damage to normal tissues.

2. Chemotherapy is often used to assist radiotherapy, using drugs to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Commonly used chemotherapy drugs include cisplatin, fluorouracil, etc. The specific plan is formulated according to the patient's condition and tolerance.

3. Surgery is rarely used in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It is mainly used to remove residual tumors after radiotherapy or to treat recurrent tumors. Surgical methods include neck lymph node dissection, etc., which need to be selected according to the location and range of the tumor.

The treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma neck masses requires individualized treatment plans, combining radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and other methods, while paying attention to relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving cure rates, and patients should undergo regular follow-up examinations to promptly detect and treat recurrence or metastasis.