Unilateral Ear Blockage in Adults Should Be Taken Seriously: May Be an Early Sign of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
The nasopharyngeal region, located at the back of the nose and upper part of the throat, is an invisible but vitally important structure. Nasopharyngeal cancer that can develop silently in this region often first manifests itself with unilateral ear blockage.
Ear fullness that occurs in adulthood and persists for a long time may not always be a simple ear problem. Especially if it affects only one ear, this condition may be a harbinger of a more serious disease.
Where is the Nasopharynx?
The nasopharynx is the space behind the nose, between the soft palate and the skull base. The Eustachian tube located in this region balances the air pressure in the ear. However, if the opening of this tube is blocked by a mass or tumor, fluid accumulates in the middle ear. This leads to ear blockage and hearing loss in the person.
Why is Fluid Accumulation in the Ear Important in Adults?
Fluid accumulation in the ear is common in children and is usually based on simple causes such as upper respiratory tract infections. However, in adults, especially fluid accumulation that occurs in only one ear and lasts for weeks, must be investigated. Because there may be an important cause such as nasopharyngeal cancer underlying this condition.
Be Alert if There is Swelling in the Neck
In some patients, nasopharyngeal cancer may manifest itself with painless swelling in the neck instead of ear blockage as the first symptom. This means silent spread of the tumor to lymph nodes. Especially if there is a mass that has not resolved for weeks and is gradually growing, it must be taken seriously.
It should not be forgotten that: In nasopharyngeal cancer, metastasis to cervical lymph nodes can sometimes be the first and only finding of the disease.
Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer may not cause symptoms initially. However, as it progresses, the following complaints may arise:
- Unilateral ear blockage
- Fluid accumulation in the middle ear
- Painless swelling in the neck
- Nasal congestion or bleeding
- Foul-smelling discharge from the nasopharynx
- Eye deviation, facial numbness (in advanced stage)
Who is at Risk?
This cancer is more common in some people. Risk factors include:
- Having had Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Family history of nasopharyngeal cancer
- Frequent consumption of salty, smoked and fermented foods
- Being male
- Being over 40 years old
How is the Diagnosis Made?
The following steps are followed for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer:
- Endoscopic examination: The nose and back of the nasopharynx are examined with a special camera.
- MRI or CT: The location and spread of the tumor are evaluated.
- Biopsy: A sample is taken from suspicious tissue.
- PET-CT: It is checked whether there is spread throughout the body.
Treatment Methods
In this cancer, surgery is usually not the first choice. The treatment plan is as follows:
- Radiotherapy: Tumor cells are destroyed with radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy: The spread of cancer is prevented with drugs.
- Surgery: Comes into consideration in cases where there is no response to treatment or if there is recurrence.
Expert Opinion: Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin
“In my own practice, I never accept unilateral ear blockage seen in adults as an ordinary condition. This finding may be a harbinger of a tumor growing silently in the back of the nasopharynx. Thanks to proper examination and timely imaging, nasopharyngeal cancer can be diagnosed early and treated successfully.”
Conclusion: Don’t Take Ear Blockage Lightly
Not every ear blockage is a serious disease. However, unilateral and long-lasting blockage in adults should not be neglected as there may be a serious cause underlying it. Especially when accompanied by swelling in the neck region, this condition can be an important opportunity for early diagnosis.
Don’t postpone your health. If you have complaints, consult an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin
Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist
“No symptom is a coincidence; early diagnosis allows us to take control, not the disease.”
