How to Self-Detect Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nov 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Generally, methods to rule out nasopharyngeal carcinoma include nasal endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biopsy with histopathological examination, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serological testing. Details are as follows: maintaining a healthy lifestyle in daily life, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in moderate exercise, can help prevent the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Generally speaking, methods for excluding nasopharyngeal carcinoma include nasal endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathological examination of biopsy tissue, and Epstein-Barr (EB) virus serological testing. The specific details are as follows:

1. Nasal Endoscopy: This method involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a miniature camera into the patient's nasal cavity for imaging and examination. It allows direct visualization of abnormalities in the nasal cavity and throat and serves as an important initial diagnostic tool for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

2. Computed Tomography (CT): The patient lies supine on the examination table and is exposed to X-rays, which are processed by a computer to generate images. CT scanning can reveal the location and size of tumors, as well as invasion of surrounding structures, aiding in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technique uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to produce three-dimensional images of internal organs and structures. The patient lies flat on the examination table while a receiver placed inside the body records signal changes. MRI offers superior soft-tissue resolution compared to CT and demonstrates higher sensitivity in detecting skull base bone destruction and cranial nerve damage.

4. Histopathological Examination of Biopsy Tissue: A small portion of suspicious tissue is removed and analyzed under a microscope to determine the presence of malignant cells. This is the gold standard for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, during which the physician uses a needle to extract a small piece of affected tissue for laboratory analysis.

5. EB Virus Serological Testing: This test assesses an individual's immune response to EB virus infection by measuring levels of EB virus antibodies in the blood. EB virus infection is closely associated with the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma; therefore, this test helps identify individuals at potential risk for the disease. Blood testing is the most common method of EB virus serological detection.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in daily life, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in moderate exercise, can help prevent the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

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Why do nasopharyngeal cancer patients emit an unpleasant odor, and what should be done about it?

In general, unpleasant odors emitted by nasopharyngeal cancer patients may be caused by insufficient oral hygiene, reduced saliva secretion, oral mucositis, sinusitis, anaerobic bacterial infections, or other reasons. Patients can choose appropriate interventions such as general management, medication, or surgical treatment according to their specific conditions. In daily life, they should pay attention to personal hygiene and maintain cleanliness of the oral and nasal cavities; diet should be light and easy to digest.

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What foods are good to eat after chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer?

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What stage is nasopharyngeal cancer with metastatic lymph nodes?

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