Commonly used examination methods for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Understanding the commonly used examination methods for NPC can help with early diagnosis and treatment of NPC. The following four are the most commonly used examination tools.

Anterior rhinoscopy

After the nasal mucosa is retracted, the posterior nostril and nasopharynx can be viewed through the anterior rhinoscope, and cancerous tumors invading or adjacent to the nostrils can be found. This is one of the common methods for examining nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy

The operation steps are: first use 1% ephedrine solution to astringe the nasal mucosa and dilate the nasal passages, then use 1% dicaine solution to perform surface anesthesia on the nasal passages, and then insert the fiberscope into the nasal cavity, slowly push it forward while observing, until it reaches the nasopharyngeal cavity.

This examination method is simple, but the observation results of the posterior nasal cavity and the anterior wall of the nasal cavity are not satisfactory.

Nasopharyngeal endoscopy

When examining for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the walls of the nasopharynx should be examined in turn, with attention paid to the posterior wall of the nasopharyngeal roof and the pharyngeal recesses on both sides. Both sides should be compared and observed to maintain symmetry. Attention should be paid to any asymmetrical submucosal protrusions or solitary nodules on both sides.

Neck biopsy

Patients who have not been diagnosed by nasopharyngeal biopsy can undergo neck mass biopsy. It is usually performed under local anesthesia. The first hard lymph node to appear should be selected, and the entire capsule should be removed. If excisional biopsy is difficult, a wedge-shaped incision can be made at the mass to take the biopsy. When cutting the tissue, a certain depth should be maintained, and squeezing the wound should not be avoided. After the operation, the wound should not be sutured too tightly.