Nasopharyngeal cancer examination costs

If a middle-aged patient suddenly develops symptoms of persistent Eustachian tube obstruction on one side with unclear reasons, or bloody nasal discharge, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, the first thing to think of is nasopharyngeal cancer. The following examination methods should be used in time to confirm the diagnosis. So how much does it cost to check for nasopharyngeal cancer? What are the common examination methods for nasopharyngeal cancer? Let's learn about it together.

Relevant experts have suggested that the cost of nasopharyngeal cancer examination cannot be generalized, because each patient's condition is different, and the examinations performed may be different, which will affect the cost of the examination. The examination methods for nasopharyngeal cancer are as follows:

(i) Anterior rhinoscopy: After the nasal mucosa has been retracted, the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx can be viewed through the anterior rhinoscopy, and tumors that have invaded or are adjacent to the nostrils can be detected.

(ii) Indirect nasopharyngeal endoscopy is simple and practical. Each wall of the nasopharynx should be examined in turn, with attention paid to the posterior wall of the nasopharyngeal roof and the pharyngeal recesses on both sides. The corresponding parts on both sides should be compared and observed. Any asymmetric submucosal protrusions or isolated nodules on both sides should be paid special attention.

(III) Fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy During fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy, ephedrine solution can be used to shrink the nasal mucosa and expand the nasal passages. Then, dicaine solution can be used to anesthetize the nasal passages. Then, the fiberscope can be inserted from the nasal cavity, and the microscope can be pushed forward while being observed until it reaches the nasopharyngeal cavity. This method is simple and the mirror is well fixed, but the observation of the posterior nasal cavity and the anterior wall of the roof is not satisfactory.

(IV) Neck biopsy For cases that have not been diagnosed by nasopharyngeal biopsy, neck mass biopsy can be performed. Generally, it can be performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, the earliest solid lymph node should be selected, and the capsule should be removed as a whole. If excisional biopsy is indeed difficult, a wedge-shaped biopsy can be performed at the mass. When removing tissue, a certain depth must be maintained, and squeezing should be avoided. At the end of the operation, the surgical field should not be sutured too tightly or too densely.

(V) Fine needle aspiration This is a simple, safe and efficient method for tumor diagnosis, which has been highly recommended in recent years. For patients suspected of cervical lymph node metastasis, fine needle aspiration can be used to obtain cells first. The specific method is as follows:

1. Nasopharyngeal tumor puncture: Use a No. 7 long needle connected to a syringe. After oropharyngeal anesthesia, insert the needle into the tumor substance under an indirect nasopharyngeal endoscope, draw the syringe to create negative pressure, and move back and forth twice in the tumor. Apply the extract on a slide for cytological examination.

2. Fine needle aspiration of neck mass: Use a No. 7 or No. 9 needle connected to a 10 ml syringe. After local skin disinfection, select the puncture point, insert the needle along the long axis of the tumor, aspirate the syringe and move the needle back and forth in the mass 2 to 3 times, and take out the aspirate for cytology or pathology examination.

(VI) EB virus serological test Currently, the immunoenzymatic method is widely used to detect the titers of IgA/VCA and IgA/EA antibodies of EB virus. The former has a higher sensitivity and a lower accuracy; the latter is just the opposite. Therefore, for those suspected of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it is advisable to test both antibodies at the same time, which is helpful for early diagnosis. For cases with IgA/VCA titer ≥1:40 and/or IgA/EA titer ≥1:5, even if there is no abnormality in the nasopharynx, exfoliated cells or biopsy should be taken from the site where nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prone to occur. If the diagnosis is still not confirmed for a while, regular follow-up should be performed, and multiple biopsy examinations should be performed if necessary.

(VII) Nasopharyngeal lateral radiographs, skull base radiographs and CT examinations Every patient should be routinely examined with nasopharyngeal lateral radiographs and skull base radiographs. If there is suspected invasion of the paranasal sinuses, middle ear or other parts, corresponding radiographs should be taken at the same time. Units with conditions should perform CT scans to understand the local extension, especially the infiltration range of the parapharyngeal space. This is extremely important for determining the clinical stage and formulating treatment plans.

(VIII) Type B Ultrasound Examination Type B ultrasound examination has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of NPC. It is simple, non-invasive and well accepted by patients. In NPC cases, it is mainly used to examine the liver, cervical, retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes to understand the presence of liver metastasis, lymph node density, and cysticity.

(IX) Magnetic resonance imaging examination: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can clearly display various layers of the skull, cerebral sulci, gyri, gray matter, white matter, ventricles, cerebrospinal fluid ducts, blood vessels, etc. The SE method can be used to display T1 and T2 extended high-intensity images to diagnose nasopharyngeal carcinoma, frontal sinus cancer, etc., and to show the relationship between the tumor and surrounding tissues.