The document discusses the anatomy, histology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Key points include: - NPC originates from the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx. - It has a strong association with Epstein-Barr virus. - Risk factors include genetic predisposition and environmental exposures like salted fish consumption. - Common symptoms are cervical lymphadenopathy, epistaxis, ear symptoms, and neurological deficits. - Diagnosis involves biopsy and serological testing for EBV markers. - Staging systems consider tumor size, node involvement, and serological factors. - Primary treatment is radiotherapy,

1. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Dr. T. Balasubramanian M.S. D.L.O.

3. Anatomy Histological studies show that the anterior portion proximal to the tubal orifice resembles the nasal cavity, while the posterior portion possess features resembling oropharynx. The junctional zone is the belt along the tubal orifice where the first and third arches meet.

4. Anatomy The portion proximal to the tubal orifice is innervated by the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve, and that posterior to the tubal orifice by the glossopharyngeal nerve. Functional studies reveal structural differences between the two. Contractility is observed only in the posterior portion.