Clinical analysis of 39 cases of recurrence or metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy

Objective To discuss the clinical characteristics and risk factors of recurrent or metastasized nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.Methods Thirty-nine cases of recurrent or metastasized nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy were analyzed in terms of the metastasized site and time,TNM stage and treatment protocols.Results Local recurrence or metastasis of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma usually happened within 24 months.TNM stage exhibited the high risk tendency for local recurrence and the clinical stage revealed the high risk tendency for distal metastasis as well.Intra-cavity radiotherapy or chemotherapy was beneficial for patients with early stage nasopharyngeal cancer.Conclusion Meticulous measures have to be taken to find the asymptomatic metastasized focus at early time.Intra-cavity radiotherapy or chemotherapy will ameliorate prognosis of patients with early stage nasopharyngeal cancer.