What's new in histological classification and recognition of naso-pharyngeal carcinoma (N.P.C.)

The author makes a short review of the different histological classifications of N.P.C. used up to date, their validity and their reliability. He stresses the difficulties of recognizing the non-keratinizing carcinoma (W.H.O. type II) as a pure form of N.P.C. The A.C.I.F. test seems to be the best way to identify undifferentiated carcinomas (U.C.N.T.) in difficult cases. The lymphoid stroma of U.C.N.T. interpreted as the host reaction to the carcinoma invasion is currently studied and may perhaps provide a way to assess prognostic factors.