Snoring is noisy breathing whilst sleeping and it is caused when the airways become obstructed. One form of obstruction can be caused by a tumour – either malignant or benign.
If you suspect you have any kind of obstruction, it should always be seen as a matter of urgency by your doctor.
Cancer of the nasopharynx – the uppermost area of the throat and nasal cavities is most prevalent in men over the age of 50 and is most often associated with those of Chinese extraction.
No-one yet fully understands why the Chinese people should be more affected by this type of cancer but it is thought that there may either be a genetic predisposition to develop the condition or that it may be induced by their specific type of diet.
The risks that increase the likelihood of developing cancer of the nasopharynx include smoking, using snuff, alcohol abuse and viral infections. Those who are exposed to dust from processed hardwoods and nickel over an extended period of time also seem to be more at risk.
A very good reason for seeking medical help for snoring is that, should the condition be as a result of a tumour blocking the airway, early diagnosis and treatment has a good record of success in curing the condition. If the cancer is not diagnosed at an early stage – often because the symptoms of snoring have been tolerated and ignored – it can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck from where it rapidly spreads throughout the body to other organs and becomes untreatable.
Unfortunately there are few symptoms of early stage nasopharynx cancer, making it all the more important to get the symptom of snoring thoroughly checked out. As the condition advances it may cause
• facial pain and swelling
• loss of hearing and earache
• reduction in or loss of the sense of smell
• frequent nosebleeds
• interference with one nostril in particular – either causing blockage or perpetual running.
• painful swallowing
• repeated sinus infections
If the tumour is ignored it may cause a swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, changes in the voice and facial paralysis.
Snoring is a very good indication that something is blocking the nasal passageways. Whilst the blockage is frequently caused by something as harmless as relaxed or flabby tissue it could also be the result of something more sinister and for that reason it is always worth having it checked out.
Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are benign tumours of the nasopharynx made up of fibrous tissue and capillaries. This type of tumour is usually associated with puberty and is more likely to be encountered in boys than girls. Typical symptoms are snoring, ear problems and adenoidal sounding speech.
Whilst snoring can be the root cause of severe embarrassment and social problems it can be a life saver if it is investigated and, as a result, a more serious or sinister underlying condition is discovered and treated.
