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Africa, and in particular North Africa, is a site of high prevalence of carcinoma of the nasopharynx in the young subject. There is a marked male predominance and a clear peak of incidence between 15 and 25 years. The presenting feature is usually rapidly growing cervical lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis is based upon histological examination of these nodes. It is a squamous carcinoma, usually highly undifferentiated and difficult to identify. However, for the experienced observer, the special appearance of tumour proliferation makes it possible to localise the primary tumour in the epi-pharyngeal region. Current work is aimed at research into a possible genetic predisposition and the relationship which the carcinoma may have with the Epstein-Barr virus. more...