stage III nasopharyngeal cancer

Definition of stage III nasopharyngeal cancer

stage III nasopharyngeal cancer (...NAY-zoh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser): One of the following is true: (1) cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. The affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller. Cancer is found in the nasopharynx only, or has spread from the nasopharynx to the oropharynx and/or to the nasal cavity, or is found only in the lymph nodes in the neck. The cancer cells in the lymph nodes are infected with Epstein-Barr virus (a virus linked to nasopharyngeal cancer); or (2) cancer has spread to the parapharyngeal space (area near the pharynx, between the base of the skull and the lower jaw) and/or to nearby muscles. Cancer has also spread to one or more lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. The affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller; or (3) cancer has spread to the bones at the bottom of the skull, the bones in the neck, the jaw muscles, and/or the sinuses around the nose and eyes. Cancer may have also spread to one or more lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck and/or the back of the throat. The affected lymph nodes are 6 centimeters or smaller.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms