Value of Computed Tomography in T-Stage Assessment and Therapy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

The accurate evaluation of tumor size, localization and spread of nasopharyngeal carcinoma help optimal treatment planning. The purpose of our retrospective study is to compare the T-stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma between evaluated by physical examination and CT scan and to compare the response to treatment in the group also underwent CT (147 patients) and the group without CT staging (40 patients). The sex ratio, and the mean age of the patients in both groups was not significantly different. Radiological study showed Stage 1 the tumor confined in nasopharyngeal region. Stage II showed tumor spreading with lateral extension to the parapharyngeal region. Stage III and stage IV, the tumor spread in a superior direction to the paranasal sinus and the base of the skull. CT staging resulted in upgrading the T stage in 88/147 cases ( 59.9%). A Complete response was higher in the CT than the non CT Group at the T2 and T4 stage. CT imaging is better than clinical examination and conventional imaging in detecting the involvement of more than one wall, base of skull involvement, differentiating tumor from sinusitis, detecting intracranial invasion and neck node involvement. In Conclusion, a CT scan is require in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients for accurate staging, modified radiation treatment and improved treatment results.