What diseases need to be differentiated from nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

In the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it is necessary to help differentiate it from some diseases. Only with a clear diagnosis can the correct treatment plan be formulated. So, what are the diseases that need to be differentiated from nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nasopharyngeal hyperplastic lesions

The characteristics of nasopharyngeal hyperplastic lesions are that there are single or multiple nodules on the top wall, posterior wall or lateral wall of the nasopharynx, which are like hillocks and about 0.5cm to 1cm in size. The mucosa on the surface of the nodules is light red and smooth. Most of them occur on the basis of nasopharyngeal mucosa or adenoids. They can also form epidermoid cysts due to the retention of keratinized epithelium after squamous metaplasia of mucosal epithelium. Some of them are caused by the vigorous secretion of mucosal glands, forming retention cysts. When the mucosa on the surface of the nodule appears rough, eroded, ulcerated or bleeding, the possibility of cancer should be considered, and a biopsy can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Pharyngeal mucosal inflammation

It manifests as rough pharyngeal mucosa, especially in severe inflammation, with proliferation of follicles in the nasopharyngeal mucosa, a bumpy surface, and even a mulberry-like appearance, with purulent secretions on the surface. At this time, it needs to be differentiated from mucosal invasive carcinoma.

rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis: The nasopharyngeal mucosa is pale, smooth and edematous; atrophic rhinitis: There are shallow ulcers in the anterior mucosa of the nasopharyngeal apex, surrounded by purulent secretions, which needs to be differentiated from the nasopharynx clinically.

Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis

It is relatively easy to differentiate nasopharyngeal carcinoma from nasopharyngeal tuberculosis because most patients with nasopharyngeal tuberculosis have a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition to nasal obstruction and bloody discharge, they also have symptoms such as low fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Examination shows nasal ulcers, edema, and lighter color. Smears of secretions can reveal acid-fast bacilli, which may be accompanied by cervical lymph node tuberculosis. The lymph nodes are enlarged, bell-shaped, adherent, and non-tender. Cervical lymph node puncture can reveal tuberculosis bacteria. CT tests are strongly positive, and chest X-rays often indicate active tuberculosis foci in the lungs.