Nasopharyngeal cancer: a clinical study with special reference to age and occupation

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Abstract
A survey of 63 patients with malignant tumor of the nasopharynx, treated over a 20 yr period (1958-1977) is presented. The major types of tumor were squamous cell and anaplastic carcinoma (including lymphoepithelioma) and non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma. In some patients other tumors were found, such as cylindroma, rhabdomyosarcoma and extramedullary plasmocytoma. A particularly high incidence of men younger than 40 yr of age was seen with carcinoma and an occupation in a particular branch of industry, indicated as metallurgic or allied (light engineering factories, garages, etc.). 60Co irradition was the primary therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was used in lymphoma or sarcoma. Survival was significantly better in the younger age group as far as carcinoma was concerned. The possible role of occupational factors is discussed in relation to findings in the literature.