Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a south European population: epidemiological data and clinical aspects in Portugal

The incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) varies worldwide, with higher rates in southern Asia, intermediate rates in Mediterranean basin countries as well as in Greenland and Alaska populations, and low rates in most of the western countries. The percentage of NPC types seems to vary according to the WHO classification. Portugal is also a Mediterranean basin country. The NPC patterns in Portuguese population is comparatively analyzed with a review of the related literature, concerning the overall incidence, male/female ratio, age of incidence, WHO type frequency, Epstein Barr virus relationship and genetic susceptibility. The particular findings in the Portuguese population can be discussed in the light of genetic background and close relationships with potential exogenous oncogenic factors.