[The diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (author's transl)]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is etiologically closely connected to the Epstein Barr virus. NPC is the only carcinoma in man that can be diagnosed serologically. In the serum of patients with NPC characteristic antibody titres of certain viral antigens can be demonstrated during the disease. Conclusions regarding the success of treatment and on possible relapse can be deduced from these antibody titres. Criteria of histological differention for NPC prognosis are described, and the possible mode of infection is discussed. Since the disease also occurs in adolescents the treatment of a typical case of NPC is described.