Pedi Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas

Question 1

Although nasopharyngeal carcinoma represents
only 1% of pediatric malignancies in the United
States and Europe, it is more common in which
geographic and international regions?

Answer 1

China, Southeast Asia, Alaska (Inuit population), North

Africa, and some areas in the Mediterranean

Question 2

What three subtypes of nasopharyngeal

carcinoma does the WHO recognize?

Answer 2

WHO subtypes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma:
● Type 1: Squamous cell carcinoma
● Type 2: Nonkeratinizing carcinoma
● Type 3: Undifferentiated carcinoma (most common in
pediatric patients)

Question 3

What virus is commonly associated with pediatric

nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Answer 3

Epstein-Barr virus

Question 4

Where does nasopharyngeal carcinoma most

commonly metastasize?

Answer 4

Bone and bone marrow, lung, liver, and mediastinum

Question 5

What is the mainstay of treatment for pediatric

nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Answer 5

Biopsy for diagnosis and to assess recurrence

Radiation and chemotherapy for treatment

Question 6

With modern treatment protocols, what is the
estimated 5-year survival for pediatric
nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Answer 6

Event-free and overall survival greater than 90%