Page 300 - Flexible Robotics in Medicine

290 Chapter 13

frequent nosebleeds, hearing loss, constant ringing in the ears, or having the fullness feeling
in the ear. Even though only seven out of a million people in North American suffer from
NPC, as according to the American Cancer Society, NPC is the number 8 most common
cancer among Singaporean males. Hence, it is necessary to have more studies done in this
area.
There are several risk factors associated with NPC [1], most notably being of Asian or
Southern Chinese ancestry, being exposed to the Epstein Barr virus, or being alcoholism.
It is, therefore, imperative for the diagnosis of NPC to be carried out during the early stages
of cancer. NPC occurs in the nasopharynx with the formation of a tumor in epithelial cells
and is most commonly associated with the EBV infection of the cancerous cells. NPC is a
massive cause for concern due to its higher rate of occurrence in regions such as
Southeastern Asia.
Managing NPC is a challenge, as patients usually present late when cancer has reached an
advanced stage. Moreover, NPC has confusing presenting symptoms, and the nature of a
clinical examination of the nasopharynx is often complicated, even for experienced
clinicians. Therefore increased general awareness by clinicians and patients alike is
necessary for the proper diagnosis and eventual prognosis of NPC [2]. It is crucial to
monitor the recurrence of cancer. The only way to keep a close eye is to do regular check-
ups and follow-ups. The most common method to check and detect is using the
nasopharyngeal endoscope to observe the nasopharynx for abnormalities like bleeding or
excess tissue growth. Due to the trouble of going down for regular check-ups, as well as the
long-time frame between check-ups, symptoms might go unnoticed for a period. This could
lead to the result in the recurrence of NPC.
These user needs thus present to us the challenge of designing a feasible medical device
for quick and easy user-driven diagnosis of NPC in its early stages. The implementation
of such a self-administered diagnostic device will no doubt raise the probability for early
diagnosis of NPC [3]. The prognosis of NPC depends mainly on the stage at which
cancer has been detected by contemporary examination methods. It is, therefore,
imperative for the diagnosis of NPC to be carried out during the early stages of cancer.
Of the numerous methods available for diagnosis, direct nasopharyngoscopy is perhaps
the most frequently utilized method in examining the nasopharynx for signs and
symptoms associated with NPC. There exists a demand for a home-based self-
administered device to regularly monitor the status or possibility of NPC in the comfort
of their own homes.

There are studies that showed a high possibility for recurrence within 25 60 months in
patients who have suffered from NPC previously, after the end of the first primary
treatment. Thus, within such a brief period of relapse, it is even more critical for better
surveillance for early detection of recurring NPC. It is crucial to allow conducting constant