Coping Methods For Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer i.e. nasopharyngeal carcinoma abbreviated as NPC is one among the 5major types of cancers taken place in the neck and head region i.e. a grouping called neck and head cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of nasopharynx disease or the air passageway present at the upper area of one’s throat or pharynx placed behind the nose. The nostrils of an individual lead through the nose/nasal cavity within the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube (a surrounding opening) located on either side of the nasopharynx leads within the middle ear on different sides.

Nasopharynx incorporates different types of tissues and each of them contains varieties of cells. Different cancers may develop from each type of cell. For instance, most of the nasopharyngeal cancer types incorporate lymphocytes i.e. white blood cells. If you are a nasopharyngeal cancer patient, you have to understand the differences properly, as they determine the severity of your cancer and the appropriate treatment you require.

Coping With Treatment-Related Adverse Effects

Almost every type of cancer treatment, including the treatment options available to cure or manage nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms, may cause side effects or certain changes to the body and the way, in which a person feels. In addition, in most of the cases, people do not experience the same type of side effect even they undergo the similar type of treatment to deal with the same type of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, as patients start preparing them for cancer treatment, they also prepare to deal with side effects related to the treatment. On the other side, doctors and other healthcare professionals put certain efforts to relieve and prevent side effects and they call it as palliative care for cancer treatment.⁽¹⁾

Coping With Physical Side Effects Lasting For A Long Time

In some of the patients, physical side effects last even after a few months or years after the treatment ends completely. Doctors refer to these side effects as of late effects and their treatment is very much essential for survivorship care. One of the best ways to cope up with late effects or side effects lasting for a long time is to undergo a regular checkup and taking regular follow-up from your doctor.

Coping With Social And Emotional Side Effects

Patients often deal with various social and emotional effects with physical effects after they undergo with nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosis and treatment. These include dealing with anger, anxiety, and sadness, along with other similar types of difficult emotions. In addition, one will experience emotional side effects based on managing his/her stress levels. In this situation, you should discuss your problems with your loved ones to reduce your stress levels and other negative feelings about your diagnosed cancer problem. Even you and your family members may share your feelings with any member belonging to your healthcare team.⁽¹⁾

Help From Caregivers-Best Coping Strategy To Deal With Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Caregivers in the form of friends and family members have a major role in providing care to an individual suffering from nasopharyngeal cancer. Caregivers mainly provide practical, physical and emotional support to different patients. Reason for this is that caregivers fulfill varieties of responsibilities on the per requirement or daily basis, few of which include the following-

To provide the necessary support and enough encouragement to the patient
Giving the required medicines/shots in a timely manner
Assistance to manage side effects and cancer-related symptoms
Assistance in the selection of appropriate meals
To coordinate for medical appointments
To help in household chores
To handle medical bills and health insurance⁽¹⁾

Therefore, with the teamwork, support, and coordination of patients, doctors, healthcare providers, and caregivers, one can easily deal with nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms and side effects after a particular type of nasopharyngeal cancer treatment procedure.

References

https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/nasopharyngeal-cancer/coping-side-effects

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Coping Methods For Nasopharyngeal Cancer