Posttreatment imaging of the nasopharynx
Journal
European Journal of Radiology
Journal Volume
44
Journal Issue
2
Pages
82-95
Date Issued
2002
Author(s)
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common epithelial tumor of the nasopharynx. Radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment while surgery or chemotherapy is used in selected patients. NPC usually regresses after 3 months of radiation therapy. Nonetheless, a residual mass may be present following treatment and this does not necessarily indicate viable tumor. Imaging studies are often used in conjunction with clinical examination following treatment. While computed tomography (CT) is widely used due to its greater availability, less expensive, and less time consuming, MR imaging is now becoming the preferred modality. MR imaging is more capable than CT for identifying mature scarring, tumor recurrence and postradiation complications. However, MR imaging cannot reliably demonstrate mucosal recurrence or differentiate tumor recurrence from postradiation tissue changes. Familiarity with the imaging findings of various posttreatment changes, tumor recurrence and postradiation complications is essential for management of NPC. Comparison with previous images or imaging-guided biopsy facilitates definitive diagnosis. ? 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Biopsy; Carcinogens; Chemotherapy; Computerized tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Radiotherapy; Nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Diagnostic radiography; antineoplastic agent; article; biopsy; cancer chemotherapy; cancer regression; clinical examination; comparative study; complication; computer assisted tomography; human; nasopharynx carcinoma; nasopharynx tumor; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; priority journal; tumor recurrence; Biopsy; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Nasopharynx; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm, Residual; Postoperative Complications; Radiation Injuries; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Type
journal article