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Doctors Diagnose Nasopharyngeal Cancer After Flight Ear Symptoms

8/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Aida Burkins, a 22-year-old U.S. mother, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after a nine-month investigation.
Her symptoms started when her ear failed to pop on a May 2025 flight to Chicago.
Doctors first blamed altitude sickness, then an ENT discovered a mass blocking her Eustachian tube.
Biopsies and surgery confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma in February 2026.
She completed chemotherapy and radiation and now has a good prognosis.

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Story summary

Aida Burkins, a 22-year-old U.S. mother, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after a nine-month investigation.
Her symptoms started when her ear failed to pop on a May 2025 flight to Chicago.
Doctors first blamed altitude sickness, then an ENT discovered a mass blocking her Eustachian tube.
Biopsies and surgery confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma in February 2026.
She completed chemotherapy and radiation and now has a good prognosis.