Nasopharyngeal carcinoma neck and serum EB virus examination

The incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma ranks first among malignant tumors of the head and neck. It is of great clinical significance to clarify the nature and scope of the tumor at an early stage. In addition to imaging examinations, the examination methods also include neck palpation and laboratory tests.

1. Neck palpation

Hard, poorly mobile or immobile, painless and enlarged lymph nodes can be palpated deep in the neck. Cervical lymph node palpation is the main basis for staging NPC, but it is greatly affected by the experience of the examiner and individual differences of the patient, often leading to large deviations in the examination results. Consultation with multiple senior physicians can improve this defect.

2. EB virus serological examination

EB virus serological examination can be used as an auxiliary indicator for the diagnosis of NPC. Currently, EB virus capsid antibody (EBVCA), EB virus early antibody (EBEA), EB virus nuclear antibody (EBNA), and EB virus specific DNA enzyme antibody tests have been carried out. Not only do NPC patients have high titer anti-EB virus antibodies, but the antibody level fluctuates with the disease. EB virus infection is widely present in people all over the world, and the occurrence of NPC is obviously regional, indicating that EB virus infection is not the only factor causing NPC.