Is EBV associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with multiple types of human cancer, including lymphoid and epithelial cancers. The closest association with EBV infection is seen in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is endemic in the southern Chinese population.

What cancer is Epstein-Barr virus EBV associated with?

EBV infection increases a person’s risk of getting nasopharyngeal cancer (cancer of the area in the back of the nose) and certain types of fast-growing lymphomas such as Burkitt lymphoma. It may also be linked to Hodgkin lymphoma and some cases of stomach cancer.

How curable is nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Many cancers of the nasopharynx can be cured, especially if they are found early. Descriptions of the common types of treatments used for NPC are listed below. Your care plan may also include treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care.

How Epstein Barr virus causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

When a cell is infected with the virus, the viral DNA may mix with the normal human DNA. Then the EBV DNA may instruct the cells of the nasopharynx to divide and grow in an abnormal way. Still, EBV infection rarely leads to NPC, so other factors probably play a role in whether or not it causes cancer.

Is NPC hereditary?

Family history. Family members of people with NPC are more likely to get this cancer. It’s not known if this is because of inherited genes , shared environmental factors (such as the same diet or living quarters), or some combination of these.

What does a high Epstein Barr titer mean?

People are considered to have a primary EBV infection if they have anti-VCA IgM but do not have antibody to EBNA. Other results that strongly suggest a primary infection are a high or rising level of anti-VCA IgG and no antibody to EBNA after at least four weeks of illness.

When does EBV cause cancer?

Does EBV cause cancer? The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) increases the risk of some cancer types. But, for most people that have the virus, it will not cause them any problems. EBV is linked to Hodgkin lymphoma , Burkitt lymphoma (a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and nasopharyngeal cancers.

What is undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx (UCNT) is a particular head and neck epidermoid lineage tumor related to the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). It has geographically selective endemic epidemiologic features, without relation to external carcinogens.