Can nasal endoscopy detect nasopharyngeal cancer?

Can nasal endoscopy detect nasopharyngeal cancer?

Exam using a camera to see inside your nasopharynx. If nasopharyngeal carcinoma is suspected, your doctor may recommend a nasal endoscopy.

What is a nasopharynx mass?

A nasopharyngeal tumor is a growth that forms in the nasopharynx, or the uppermost portion of the throat that is found behind the nasal cavity. The nasopharynx serves as a passageway for air from the nose to the throat and eventually to the lungs. A tumor in the nasopharynx may be either benign or malignant.

How do you rule out nasopharyngeal cancer?

The following tests may be used to diagnose NPC:

1. Physical examination and blood tests. During a physical examination, the doctor feels for any lumps on the neck, lips, gums, and cheeks.
2. Endoscopy.
3. Biopsy.
4. X-ray.
5. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan.
6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
7. Ultrasound.
8. Bone scan.

Can an ENT diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer?

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is most often diagnosed when a person goes to a doctor because of symptoms such as a lump in the neck or stuffy nose, but no signs of a cold. The doctor will take a history and do an exam. The patient may then be sent to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Can a nasopharyngeal mass be benign?

Benign nasopharyngeal tumors. Benign nasopharyngeal tumors are fairly rare and tend to develop in children and young adults. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and are usually not life-threatening.

Can you feel nasopharyngeal cancer?

Can you feel nasopharyngeal cancer? Many people who develop nasopharyngeal tumors can feel small lumps on one or both sides of their neck. These lumps are not the tumors, but rather inflamed lymph nodes. Most lymph nodes are very small and cannot be felt.

Can MRI detect nasopharyngeal cancer?

MRIs can be used to try to find out if the cancer has grown into structures near the nasopharynx. MRIs are a little better than CT scans at showing the soft tissues in the nose and throat, but they’re not quite as good for looking at the bones at the base of the skull, a common place for NPC to grow.

What kind of tumor is in the nasopharynx?

Nasopharyngeal tumors have been documented in the marmoset, and a possible differential for nasal masses is squamous cell carcinoma [33,34]. Vincent F.H. Chong, Suresh K. Mukherji, in Oncologic Imaging, 2002

How are MRIs used to diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer?

Extension of nasopharyngeal tumors, especially into the skull base and the deep facial spaces, is well illustrated on imaging. Assessment of retropharyngeal and cervical lymphadenopathy is important for treatment planning. MRI is commonly used for monitoring patients after therapy. CONCLUSION.

Is there a differential diagnosis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Differential diagnosis. On imaging alone, nasopharyngeal carcinomas appear similar to other primary nasopharyngeal malignancies. Tumors of the skull base should also be included in the differential, especially when significant bony involvement is present.

How big of a CT scan is needed for nasopharynx cancer?

The vast majority (75%) of nasopharyngeal cancer patients have cervical node metastases at presentation, with bilateral involvement in up to 80%. Spiral computed tomography (CT) scans should use 3 × 3 mm axial sections through the skull base and nasopharynx with 100 mL of contrast. Axial 3 × 5 mm sections can be used for the neck.