Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rare in children. We report two cases from KK Women and Children's Hospital in Singapore, who presented with advanced locoregional disease. The various aspects of NPC in children are discussed. It is more common in males and black adolescents. The etiology is probably different from that in adult. Undifferentiated NPC or lymphoepithelioma is the commonest variety. Confusing symptoms like cervical lymphadenopathy and unilateral otitis media with effusion (OME) are among the commonest presentations. When children present with both conditions simultaneously, it is imperative to manage them like adult patients and perform nasendoscopy to rule out NPC. The disease stage at presentation is often more advanced compared with adults. These tumors are, however, associated with a higher cure rate as they are most radiosensitive. Radiotherapy with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is currently the treatment of choice. Both cases achieved satisfactory control of the disease and are presently under close follow-up. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.