The six-foot-six many-time member of the national team is responding well after the first of a series of treatments, according to an unnamed Purefoods TJ Hotdogs official.

As early as the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, teammates have noticed a lump at Adducul’s jaw, but the 31-year-old veteran decided to forego medical treatment because of the ongoing series.

"We already noticed the lump, it’s as big as a golf ball," said the team official. "Medyo hirap din siya huminga kasi barado ‘yung right side ng ilong niya."

After Sta. Lucia won the title series, Adducul sought medical attention at Cardinal Santos Hospital where his doctor wife works.

Adducul could not be reached for comment. His agent Ed Ponceja also declined to give any details or statement.

A local EENT (ear, eyes, nose and throat) expert based at the Makati Medical Center said that there are several reasons why a person acquires the disease, but most of the time, the cause is either through genes or chemical reaction.

But because Adducul is an athlete and presumably has no vices, the EENT expert, who requested anonymity, said that "it could be genetic."

Like any other cancer diseases, nasopharyngeal cancer is life threatening and can spread everywhere, according to the doctor but the survival rate is high if detected early.

A member of San Sebastian College that won five straight NCAA titles from 1993 to 1997 and a three-time NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP), Adducul joined the PBA as the second overall pick by Ginebra during the 2003 PBA Rookie Draft.

Nicknamed the "General" in the PBA because of the way he commands respect underneath the basket, he also played at the now-defunct MBA from 1998 to 2002.

Before joining the PBA, Adducul went back to the PBL and helped Welcoat Paints of Raymund Yu and Terry Que to its fifth championship.

After spending his first three years with the Gin Kings, Adducul was traded to San Miguel Beer (now Magnolia Beverage). The Giants acquired his services during the mid-season of 2007.