Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rare in children. We report two cases fro m KK Women and Children's Hospital in Singapore, who presented with advance d locoregional disease. The various aspects of NPC in children are discusse d. It is more common in males and black adolescents. The etiology is probab ly 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 pre sentations. When children present with both conditions simultaneously, it i s imperative to manage them like adult patients and perform nasendoscopy to rule out NPC. The disease stage at presentation is often more advanced com pared with adults. These tumors are, however, associated with a higher cure rate as they are most radiosensitive. Radiotherapy with neo-adjuvant chemo therapy is currently the treatment of choice. Both cases achieved satisfact ory control of the disease and are presently under close follow-up. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.