How is nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosed?
The examination of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is mainly divided into two major categories. The first category is imaging examinations, and the second category is pathological biopsy tests. Imaging examinations primarily involve performing a CT or MRI of the nasopharyngeal area to determine the scope of the cancerous changes in the nasopharynx, which is quite helpful for clinical staging and typing. It also plays a role in designing targeted therapy for subsequent radiation treatment. Pathological testing is an important means for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Generally, it requires a nasopharyngoscopy. If cancerous changes are suspected during the nasopharyngoscopy, a pathological biopsy can be taken simultaneously. After the biopsy, the specific differentiation degree and type of cancer can be determined. Then, in conjunction with the imaging examinations, a plan for radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be formulated.