Although a wide variety of malignant tumors may arise in the nasopharynx, only squamous cell carcinoma is considered in this discussion because management of the other types varies substantially with histology. Subdivisions of squamous cell carcinoma in this site include:

• Lymphoepithelioma (Schminke tumor).
• Transitional cell tumors.
• Well to poorly differentiated grade.
• Keratinizing or nonkeratinizing variety.

The presence of keratin has been associated with reduced local control and survival.