How to check for nasopharyngeal cancer? Is it painful?

Examination methods for nasopharyngeal cancer include endoscopy, imaging examination and biopsy. Some examinations may cause mild discomfort, but the degree of pain varies from person to person. Examinations for nasopharyngeal cancer usually include endoscopy, imaging examination and biopsy, which can help doctors accurately diagnose the disease.

1. Endoscopic examination: Endoscopic examination is one of the common methods for diagnosing NPC. The doctor inserts a thin and long endoscope through the nasal cavity to observe the lesions in the nasopharynx. You may feel slight discomfort or foreign body sensation during the examination, but it usually does not cause severe pain. Before the examination, the doctor may use local anesthetics to relieve discomfort.

2. Imaging examination: Imaging examinations include CT scans, MRI and PET-CT. These examinations can help doctors understand the size and location of the tumor and whether it has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Imaging examinations are usually painless, but patients are required to remain still during the examination and may feel some discomfort or tension.

3. Biopsy: Biopsy is a key step in confirming nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The doctor removes a small piece of tissue from the nasopharynx for pathological examination under the guidance of an endoscope or imaging. You may feel brief pain or discomfort during the biopsy, but the doctor will use local anesthetics to relieve the pain. There may be slight bleeding or discomfort after the biopsy, but it usually subsides quickly.

The examination process for nasopharyngeal cancer may cause some discomfort, but doctors will take various measures to alleviate the patient's pain. Preparation and communication before the examination are very important. Patients should tell the doctor their symptoms and feelings truthfully so that the doctor can develop an appropriate examination plan.

Although the examination of nasopharyngeal cancer may cause some discomfort, it is a key step in diagnosis and treatment. Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's examination and keep abreast of their condition so that they can receive treatment as soon as possible. During the examination, the doctor will try his best to reduce the patient's discomfort and ensure the smooth progress of the examination.