The nasopharynx is a box-like chamber situated in the upper part of the throat (pharynx), behind the nose and near the base of skull. The nasopharynx is surrounded by many structures in the head and neck region, including the nose, paranasal sinuses, eustachian tube as well as cranial nerves that govern sensory and motor functions in the facial and eye areas.
There are also lymph nodes in the neck close to the nasopharynx. Most people with NPC notice lumps or mass in the neck that lead them to see a doctor.
The exact causes of NPC are unknown, however there are a number of well-established risk factors that can increase your risk of developing the condition: