title: Diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
abstract: The diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma rests on perceptive symptom analysis, a careful clinical examination, and the selection of appropriate clinical investigations. A high index of suspicion is required. When mirror examination fails to provide a satisfactory view of the nasopharynx, flexible or rigid nasopharyngeal endoscopy is mandatory. Serologic examination of IgA antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus early antigen and viral capsid antigen is helpful in identifying high-risk patients. Biopsy material should be sent fresh to the laboratory for analysis so that special staining can be carried out in cases of doubtful diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Woo
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Sham
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000473:pathology