A brief history of a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is described. A general discussion of the problems of diagnosis, treatment, and classification of the more frequent histologic type is presented. Currently, the most favorable prognosis is in patients in whom the condition is detected early. This serious disease sometimes occurs near or adjacent to the area of the dentist's primary responsibility. The dentist should always assume his professional responsibility by promptly referring any patient with suspected cancer to an appropriate specialist.