What tests can be done to detect nasopharyngeal cancer in its early stages?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma can be screened and diagnosed in its early stages through nasopharyngeal endoscopy, imaging tests, and blood tests. These tests can help doctors detect lesions in a timely manner and improve the success rate of treatment.

1. Nasopharyngeal endoscopy

Nasopharyngeal endoscopy is the preferred method for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The doctor inserts a thin mirror through the nasal cavity to directly observe whether there is abnormal tissue or mass in the nasopharynx. For suspicious areas, a biopsy can also be performed to take a small amount of tissue for pathological examination to determine whether it is cancerous. Nasopharyngeal endoscopy has the advantages of being intuitive and accurate, and is an important means of early screening.

2. Imaging examination

Imaging examinations include CT, MRI, and PET-CT. CT can show structural changes in the nasopharynx and help determine the size and extent of the tumor; MRI can more clearly show soft tissue lesions and assess whether the tumor has invaded surrounding tissues or lymph nodes; PET-CT combines functional imaging and anatomical imaging to detect early micro-lesions and determine whether there is distant metastasis. These examination methods provide an important basis for formulating treatment plans.

3. Blood test

Blood tests mainly determine the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by detecting Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies or DNA. Epstein-Barr virus infection is closely related to the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and increased levels of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the blood may indicate the presence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Blood tests can also evaluate the patient's overall health status and provide a reference for subsequent treatment.

Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is crucial to the treatment effect. If you experience symptoms such as persistent nasal congestion, nosebleeds, tinnitus, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, you should seek medical attention and undergo the above-mentioned examinations. Early diagnosis combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy can significantly improve the patient's survival rate and quality of life. Regular physical examinations and screening of high-risk groups are also important measures to prevent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.