Update on Imaging of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a unique epidemiologic profile and a strong association with the Epstein-Barr virus. Radiologists should be familiar with the recently updated American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control version 9 staging system, effective January 1, 2025 and reviewed herein. NPC is usually treated with radiation and chemotherapy, with surgery reserved for persistent or recurrent resectable disease at the primary site or neck. Following primary treatment, patients typically undergo both clinical/laboratory and imaging surveillance, and radiologists should recognize recurrent disease and be familiar with the imaging appearance of treatment-related complications.