Introduction

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique cancer in every aspect. Its incidence varies drastically worldwide, with endemic areas having an incidence more than ten times greater than nonendemic areas. First described in the late 1800s in Western medical literature, NPC was considered incurable at that time. Advances in every area of Western medicine, including diagnostic techniques, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery have made NPC one of the more curable head and neck cancers with cure rates of over 80% in cases diagnosed during early stages. Endemic NPC is associated with Epstein–Barr virus and is one of the first described virus associated cancers. This virus association is now exploited as a tumor marker and a model for studying virus-induced carcinogenesis. This book is aimed to present the latest knowledge in all the aspects of NPC with reference to the latest evidence presented in the medical literature.