The use of brush cytology and directed biopsies for the detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and precursor lesions

Abstract

The cytologic pickup of NPC was substantially lower than that obtained on biopsy. More importantly, NPIN was uncommon. Therefore, a screening test that depends on the collection of cells for the microscopic diagnosis of NPIN and NPC is unlikely to have a major impact on the incidence of NPC. Furthermore, obtaining a good cytologic specimen from the nasopharynx is not simple, and this further limits this technique for mass screening purposes. The concept of a cytologic test for NPC, similar to the Pap test for the prevention of uterine cervix cancer, has still to be realized.