Early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Loco-regional metastasis occurs early in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It may occur before the primary is discernible by routine clinical examination. Advances in immunoserological and molecular-biological methods as well as radiographic imaging techniques including C T Scan and MRI have not dramatically improved the rate of early diagnosis. Elevated IgA antibodies to Epsetin-Barr viral capsid antigen (VCA) and early antigen (EA) serve as a high risk marker. Nasopharyngoscopy and biopsy is still the key to early diagnosis.