What is the mainstay of treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma across all stages of disease?
- A Chemotherapy alone
- B Radical surgical excision via maxillary swing approach
- C Radiotherapy ✓
- D Neck dissection combined with brachytherapy
Correct answer: C. Radiotherapy
Explanation
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, typically an undifferentiated nonkeratinising carcinoma strongly associated with Epstein Barr virus, is highly radiosensitive yet anatomically inaccessible to complete surgical clearance. Radiotherapy is therefore the backbone of treatment at every stage and produces high cure rates in early disease. Concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy improves survival in locoregionally advanced stages but supplements rather than replaces radiation. Surgery is reserved for residual or recurrent nodal disease and selected local recurrences.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.