Section Editor: Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 22, 2026
The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat, located behind the nose and above the soft palate. It connects the back of the nose to the rest of the throat. When tissue is removed from this area, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the nasopharynx. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancerous tumors
These diagnoses are cancers that start in the nasopharynx. The most common type is nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which begins in the cells lining this part of the throat and is often linked to the Epstein-Barr virus. The articles explain how each cancer is diagnosed and what your pathology report describes.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is the general name for cancer that starts in the lining of the nasopharynx. This article gives an overview of the diagnosis, including the different types and what your pathology report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or you want a general overview before reading about a specific type.
Non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma
Non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It is often linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This article explains what this diagnosis means and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions non-keratinizing carcinoma of the nasopharynx or a connection to the Epstein-Barr virus.
Keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma
Keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma is a type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in which the cancer cells produce keratin, a tough protein. This article explains what this diagnosis means and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report describes a keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx.
Noncancerous conditions
These diagnoses are not cancer. They are noncancerous growths that may still be treated, depending on their size, location, and the symptoms they cause.
A nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a noncancerous tumor made of blood vessels and fibrous tissue. It occurs most often in adolescent boys and young men. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, or a growth in the nasopharynx that bleeds easily.
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